Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever among People in District Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among people in district Multan, Pakistan. In this study numbers of four towns of Multan (i) Bosan Town (ii) Shah Rukn-e Alam Town (iii) Mosa Pak Town (iv) Mumtazabad Town were selected. Total number of 400 People (217 males and 183 females) 18 years to above 60 years of age, permanent residents of Multan were interviewed. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue were evaluated among people through pre-designed set of questions. Of the 400 respondents, 87% of the respondents already heard about this type of fever, 72% of them considered mosquito bite as cause / mode of spread of this disease. The study reported that among the participants of the study literate people had more and correct information than un-educated people. As regards the prevention of this disease, 83% of study populations were in favor of preventing mosquito bites by the use of anti-mosquito spray while 39% were of the opinion to reduce the mosquito population by attacking the breeding sites. Although most of the individuals in sample population were aware of various aspects of dengue fever but detailed knowledge and awareness were lacking. People need more understanding of the disease particularly its vector characteristics. The study has suggested that there is a need to develop and implement the targeted health education programs that focus on disseminating accurate and accessible information about dengue fever. These programs should address the knowledge gaps identified in the study and be tailored to the specific needs of different demographic groups within the district. Mass media platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and social media must be used to disseminate the health messages related to dengue fever among general public. The study has also recommended to develop informative content that reaches the wide audience and reinforces the dengue preventive practices.