Learning from the history of airborne diseases: Understanding and applying health models as a guide for community-led outbreak prevention

Fathima Begum Syed Mohideen; Norhasnira Ibrahim; Nurhazirah Azizan; Nur Adibah Mohidem; Nurul Mukminah Zainan Nazri; Mohd Firdaus A Bakar; Nizam  Baharom

doi:10.33102/uij.763

Authors

Fathima Begum Syed Mohideen Family Medicine Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2774-681X
Norhasnira Ibrahim Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1322-7805
Nurhazirah Azizan Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0766-1934
Nur Adibah Mohidem Public Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4523-2302
Nurul Mukminah Zainan Nazri Faculty of Quranic and Sunnah Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5379-835X
Mohd Firdaus A Bakar Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Nizam Baharom Public Health Unit, Department of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/uij.763

Keywords:

infections, endemics, pandemics, epidemics, health models, public health.

Abstract

The history of airborne disease outbreaks demonstrates that the community face similar repeated experiences that are disastrous and life-threatening. From the early years of the flu outbreak to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, public health responses have largely depended on top-down medical and policy measures. Although the role of communities was mentioned, it has received far less attention. This gap has led to inconsistent adherence to preventive guidelines, which is commonly referred to when needed, particularly in the event of an emerging outbreak. Hence, the application takes time, while outbreaks escalate. In response to this, this review examines the historical experiences of airborne diseases to understand how community involvement can be strengthened in outbreak prevention. Selected behavioural health models’ theories and frameworks were studied for their suitability for application as a guide for community-led interventions. This review highlights the importance of historical awareness and established health models for a collective responsibility in shaping impactful health responses for outbreak prevention by bridging the gap between human behaviour and public health preventive responses expectations. Community-led outbreak prevention is the key to preventing future airborne disease outbreaks.

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