Advisers

Algin G. Tiagan

Discipline

Natural Sciences

Abstract

Dengue is an important public-health concern in many communities, creating interest in affordable natural mosquito-repellent products. This study evaluated users’ perceptions of Calmej mango-leaf lotion in terms of effectiveness, presentation, affordability, and acceptability compared with a commercial mosquito-repellent lotion. The study used a quantitative survey design involving residents of Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. Respondents were described by age, household size, and socioeconomic status and evaluated mango-leaf lotion and commercial lotion in terms of perceived effectiveness, presentation, and affordability. Weighted means were used to summarize perception ratings, while frequency and percentage described challenges encountered during product use. The sample size and sampling method were not reported. Most respondents were aged 30–40, lived in households with five members, and belonged to the middle socioeconomic group. Mango-leaf lotion obtained perceived-effectiveness weighted means ranging from 3.54 to 3.58, interpreted as “Strongly Agree,” compared with 2.86 to 3.08 for the commercial lotion, interpreted as “Agree.” For presentation, mango-leaf lotion obtained means of 3.42 to 3.58, while the commercial lotion obtained 2.92 to 3.14. The most common concerns were absorption rate (33.3%), texture (28.6%), and skin sensitivity (19%). Respondents perceived the mango-leaf lotion as an affordable alternative to commercial repellents. The findings indicate favorable user perceptions of mango-leaf lotion as a natural and affordable mosquito-repellent product. Improving absorption and texture may further increase acceptability. Claims regarding actual mosquito repellency or dengue prevention require biological efficacy and safety testing beyond a perception survey.

Keywords

mosquito repellent, product acceptability, affordability, mango-leaf lotion, dengue prevention