Knowledge, awareness and practices regarding dengue fever

Abstract

Background: The incidence of dengue infections continues to rise worldwide. Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the public are required to successfully prevent or minimize dengue outbreaks. However, very little is known about the public’s KAP on dengue and its prevention. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever in. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during November to December 2017. 200 residents were surveyed. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed and statistics taken out. Results: In our study, out of 200 respondents, majority i.e. 170 (85%) of the respondents had heard about dengue. 162 (81%) knew that mosquito bite is the cause of dengue while 80 (40%) were aware that dengue mosquito breeds in clean standing water. Fever was the most consistent response in 188 (94%) respondents followed by GIT symptoms in 74 (37%), rash in 30 (15%), headache and body ache in 12 (6%). Majority i.e.172 (86%) of the respondents relying on mosquito mats and vaporizers. 64 (32%) respondents were using mosquito net, 62 (31%) had net on the windows, 42 (21%) were using sprays while only 10 (5%) were using repellent cream. Conclusions: We found sufficient knowledge on dengue. Also, preventive practices regarding dengue were consistent with the knowledge about these practices. Preventive measures mainly focused towards protection from mosquito bites.