PLoS ONE (Jan 2024)

Uncovering the knowledge gap: A web-based survey of healthcare providers' understanding and management of dengue fever in East Azerbaijan, Iran.

  • Madineh Abbasi,
  • Morteza Zaim,
  • Mahmood Moosazadeh,
  • Mahasti Alizadeh,
  • Abbasali Dorosti,
  • Simin Khayatzadeh,
  • Seyed Hassan Nikookar,
  • Ahmad Raeisi,
  • Fatemeh Nikpoor,
  • Abdolreza Mirolyaie,
  • Behrooz Naghili Hokmabad,
  • Ahad Bazmani,
  • Farzad Kaveh,
  • Somayeh Azimi,
  • Ahmadali Enayati

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305528
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 6
p. e0305528

Abstract

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BackgroundDengue fever (DF) is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major mosquito-borne diseases and causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. Appropriate and timely diagnosis and risk stratification for severe disease are crucial in the appropriate management of this illness. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a key role in dengue fever diagnosis, management and prevention. The present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among HCPs in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional survey among 948 HCPs, using a structured questionnaire, was conducted in East Azerbaijan Province from May to July 2022. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive methods, the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. A P-value ResultsOut of the 948 (68.5% female) respondents, 227 were physicians and 721 were health professionals. The knowledge level of DF was found to be largely inadequate in the present study population (80.4%). The physician vs. health professional were a significant factor in differentiating attitude scores. The mean practice score regarding DF prevention and control measures among respondents was 8.40±1.97.ConclusionThe findings call for urgent continuous education and training courses to increase KAP levels and increased capacity and capability for DF prevention and control. This is of outmost importance for the first point of care of DF patients.