Socio-ecological dynamics in urban systems: An integrative approach to mosquito-borne disease in Bengaluru, India

[摘要] 1. Urban environments are heterogeneous landscapes of social and environmentalfeatures, with important consequences for human–nature entanglements, suchas that of mosquito-borne disease.2. Investigations into this intra-urban heterogeneity in mosquito dynamics findconflicting results, likely due to the complex socio-ecological interactions andthe importance of place-based context. Integrative research, which synthesizesmultiple disciplines and epistemologies, can place ecological results into theirsocial context to explore these place-based differences and reveal novel solutions for mosquito-borne disease management.3. Here, we develop an integrative approach to understanding spatial patternsof mosquito burdens in urban systems by combining entomological surveys,semi-structured interviews and sketch maps. We highlight this approach usinga mixed-method study conducted in Bengaluru, India, a rapidly urbanizing citywith a high burden of mosquito-borne disease.4. Although we found no evidence for a difference in mosquito abundance acrossan urban gradient, there were differences in individuals' everyday experienceswith mosquitoes. These differences were mediated by how individuals movedthrough outdoor space and their vulnerability to hazards in these spaces.5. This example of integrative research illustrates what can be gained from theinclusion of multiple epistemologies, particularly for research in urban systems.

[学科分类] 护理学

[关键词] mixed methods;mosquito-borne disease;urbanization