title: [Cultural dimensions of dengue that help or hinder its prevention in Mexico].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the cultural dimensions that might help or hinder dengue prevention in two Mexican localities having different experiences related to this disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cognitive-cultural anthropological study was conducted involving the participation of 160 adults selected through purposeful sampling. The techniques of free lists and pile-sorting were used for investigating terms associated with the concept "dengue." A consensus analysis was carried out by the factoring of principal components, hierarchical cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Greater consensus was observed among participants from the population having more historical experience with dengue-Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit-as well as more structured cultural and complex dimensions than in Guadalajara. In the latter case, participants showed a more fragmented conception of dengue, with insufficient information on its symptoms, mechanisms of transmission, and vector reservoirs. Three cultural dimensions were identified as hindering dengue prevention: confusing and insufficient information, placing responsibility for prevention on other people or on public agencies, and excessive confidence in fumigation as a preventive measure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These obstacles will need to be taken into account in the design and implementation of future prevention campaigns, disseminating information that explains the risks of fumigation and the importance of citizens and authorities jointly participating in the search for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the dengue problem.
authors.affiliation: Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Salud Pública, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. tere.torres.cucs@gmail.com
authors.forename: Teresa M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Torres López
authors.forename: Joana Lizeth
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Guerrero Cordero
authors.forename: José Guadalupe
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Salazar Estrada
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003715:Dengue / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D005651:Fumigation / Q000009:adverse effects; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D012737:Sex Factors