Environmental and socioeconomic determinants of dengue fever risk in Lao People's Democratic Republic: A systematic review

Abstract

Dengue fever is endemic in Laos, and changing land use and land cover (LULC), along with climate, are increasing the risk of dengue fever. While climate–dengue associations are well understood, the impacts of LULC remain uncertain and understudied. This review reports that, along with climate, LULCs such as urban/built-up areas, rubber plantations, and wetlands (marsh, swamp, and paddy fields) could increase DF risk by providing suitable habitats for its vector. Agricultural transformation from crops to plantations or forests to plantations is causing an amplified proliferation of Ae. albopictus in rural and peri-urban areas. Socioeconomic determinants, including water availability, sanitation and hygiene, housing materials, and poverty, also significantly impact DF. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices studies indicating awareness of DF and vector control methods among selected population during training programs. Understanding how climate, LULC, and socioeconomic factors interact is essential for designing effective, context-specific strategies to control dengue in Laos.