Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 10 3 2016 06 18 Perceived Risk of Dengue in Ones’ Living Environment as a Determinant of Behavior Change through Social Mobilization and Communication: Evidence from a High Risk area in Sri Lanka 394 404 EN Hasini Banneheke Specialist in Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka AND International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Sarath Paranavitane Central Medical Centre (Pvt) Ltd, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka Vathsala Jayasuriya Specialist in Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka Sarath Banneheka Department of statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka 2015 11 14 2015 11 14 Background: The aim of this study was to assess community knowledge and behavioral impact of the social mobili­zation and communication strategy applied in a dengue high-risk area in Sri Lanka. Methods: A group of adults visiting selected primary care facilities in Colombo district were interviewed to collect socio-demographicdata, attributes of knowledge regarding dengue and the responsive behaviors adopted by them following the dengue control program though the media and social marketing campaigns. These attributes were clas­sified as `good ', `fair,' or `poor' by developing a composite scale for analysis and interpretation of data. Results: The primary source of information was television in the majority. The overall knowledge of the disease, vector and control methods was poor. The overall level of contribution to dengue control activities was good. Conclusion: Awareness of the disease and its complications had not contributed to favorable behavior changes.  While the social mobilization and behavior change campaign in Sri Lanka had low impact on knowledge and be­haviors, a better understating of community perceptions of DF and how these perceptions are formulated within the social and cultural context; would be useful to improve uptake. This knowledge would be valuable for program plan­ners to strengthen dengue control activities in SL and other similar settings across the region. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/323 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/323/282