Community Participation and Technological Innovation: A Prospective Cohort Study on Drone-Based Dengue Surveillance in Malaysia

Background To inform a five-year automated surveillance study, this study explores households and stakeholder perceptions of drone-based dengue control in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional qualitative design was used to determine diverse perspectives across eight high-risk localities. Data were collected through 480 in-depth interviews with household heads, from a newly established cohort of households, and six key informant interviews with public health professionals. Participants were selected using typical case and expert sampling methods to ensure representation across socioeconomic and urban heterogeneity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Bahasa Melayu, to explore themes such as trust, privacy, public health impact, and community engagement. Thematic analysis revealed strong community recognition of dengue as a persistent health threat, particularly during rainy seasons, contributing to high acceptance of drone-based interventions. Results Participants supported drone use when positioned as mosquito breeding site monitoring tools rather than personal surveillance. Transparent communication about purpose, data use, and operational boundaries was key to maintaining trust. Targeted use in known mosquito hotspots was preferred over random surveillance. Privacy concerns were minimal, and most households strongly supported using drones in dengue control. Many simply requested advance notice of flight schedules to stay informed and engaged. Conclusions Community motivation stemmed from a sense of collective responsibility, with most participants valuing their involvement as a contribution to neighborhood well-being. Trust, transparency, and consistent communication were identified as essential for long-term engagement and the success of the project. These findings underscore the importance of aligning technological innovation with local social dynamics and demonstrate the value of participatory approaches in public health interventions.