A Study to Identify Gaps in Knowledge and Practices regarding Dengue in a Rural Population of Punjab

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is an emergent disease in India and is responsible for causing significant morbidity and mortality in most tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world.Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding dengue adopted by the rural population attending the hospital.Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study concerning knowledge, attitudes and practices of dengue fever prevention among attendants of patients admitted in a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in rural Punjab.Study Population: 400 adult attendants of patients admitted in Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital were interviewed using a pretested, pre-designed questionnaire regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue fever.Results: 85.8% of the respondents knew that the vector for dengue is a mosquito. As regards common symptoms of dengue, fever was the most consistent response (90.8%) followed by headache (15.8%). It was observed that 94.1% respondents agreed that dengue is a serious illness. 90.0% respondents do nothing to eliminate standing water around the house to reduce mosquitoes. 47.5% respondents came to know about dengue fever through neighbors and 36.5% through TV/ radio.Conclusion: Dengue fever continues to be a public health problem in this area and there is a need for creating greater awareness among the people by information, education and communication (IEC) activities and social responsibility