Knowledge and practice about dengue fever among urban slum dwellers in one district of Andhra Pradesh, India: A study on current status

Abstract

Background: A mosquito-borne disease, dengue is present in many places of India since a long time. Studies have shown that, despite many efforts, the knowledge and practices of people, especially urban slum dwellers remain low. The factors responsible for inadequate knowledge and practices have to be explored and addressed. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice about dengue fever among urban slum dwellers of Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the urban slum dwellers (community-based study) in one district of Andhra Pradesh state. Study variables included knowledge about symptoms of dengue, mode of transmission, and complications. Practices to prevent dengue were also studied. Results: In the present study, males were 85 (30.4%) and females were 195 (69.6%). The awareness about dengue among urban slum dwellers is good (75.4%). Awareness of dengue was significantly higher in females than in males. No significant association of awareness of dengue was found with age, literacy status, socioeconomic status, and occupation. Recognition of symptoms of dengue was significantly better among females compared to males. Conclusions: The study concludes that the awareness of dengue among urban slum dwellers is good (75.4%). The practices related to mosquito control measures are improving, but, there is still a need to improve knowledge and practice.

Keywords

• dengue
• knowledge
• practices
• urban slum dwellers