Are We Aware of Dengue Fever? A Community Based KAP Survey on Dengue Fever in Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever and its prevention in Rawalpindi Study Design:ACross Sectional Survey. Place and Duration of Study: Community of Rawalpindi, from July to Sept. 2012. Materials and Methods: A total of 215 participants were selected through consecutive sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was self administered after informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Knowledge of dengue was measured by asking questions related to disease symptoms and preventive measures.Association between knowledge and awareness at p<0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: It was found that the knowledge of the community regarding Dengue fever was adequate (91%). The respondents' awareness about preventive measures for dengue was also satisfactory (88%). A significant association found between knowledge & awareness of dengue fever and preventive measures (P= 0.01). Mass media was identified as an effective tool in raising awareness. However; adequate knowledge about prevention did not reflect in community practices (P=0.031); factors identified responsible for it, were like water storage for domestic use due to water shortage and excessive load shedding. Conclusion: Local community is well aware about dengue fever and its prevention; however it was found that good knowledge doesn't necessarily lead to good practice. Health educational campaigns should be designed to improve behavior and practices of prevention &control measures against dengue fever.

Keywords

• dengue fever,viral hemorrhagic fever, healthcare. preventive measures.