Social Capital in Dengue Control: A Systematic Literature Review

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a disease whose prevention and control depend on the participation of all community levels. Complex factors including social determinants, such as social capital, influence the prevention and control of DHF by the community. DHF is a neglected disease that commonly occurs in communities with limited resources. Increasing community social capital is among the major strategies to build successful and sustainable control. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the role of social capital in optimizing the implementation and sustainability of DHF prevention and control programs. A systematic literature review was conducted with PRISMA by searching for articles on PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. Articles were selected through several screening stages, and subjected to a quality assessment. A total of 10 articles concluded that social capital could increase the potential prevention and control of DHF in the community. These included six interventional or experimental and four observational studies. The results showed a diversity of social capital in each location, which was consistent with the characteristic condition of the community and capable of affecting DHF control. The role of social capital has been found as a direct target of intervention, a mediator, or segmentation at the individual or community level. Most interventions are targeted at strengthening social capital directly to influence control outcomes, program acceptance, and sustainability. Increasing social capital is essential to addressing the barriers against effective community engagement, enhancing the role of DHF control, and ensuring sustainable participation.