Knowledge Attitude and Practice on Dengue among Households in Rural Areas [North Dharmapur, Gaibandha Bangladesh]

Abstract

Dengue is the most common and essential viral arthropod-borne (arboviral) infection in humans. Throughout recent decades, the dengue rate has increased significantly. So far this year, the number of dengue-recognized patients across Bangladesh is almost double than the total diagnosed with mosquito-borne disease reported over the past 19 years. Dengue increase in rural Bangladesh stirs concerns about the cycle of outbreaks. A cross-sectional community based survey was conducted from September to October 2019 among 100 individuals belonging to the selected village in rural Gaibandha. A formal questionnaire was used to compile data on awareness, behavior, source of information, and dengue training. Adequacy of information and behavior with a confidence interval of 95 percent was summarized as a proportion. A sample of 100 people (males 42 and females 58) were interviewed at the mean age of 35.3 years. 23% were illiterate, while 32% were university graduates. 65% of respondents knew mosquito as their vector, 89% identified clear stagnant water as their dumping ground. Fever was identified as a symptom by 100%. 37% felt dengue fever may not be cured and 76%-felt dengue fever arises during the rainy seasons. 93 % had a positive attitude towards consulting a doctor for the disease. The bulk of the data was through television, social networking sites supplemented by radio and magazines, and only 3% was through health workers. The current study observed that awareness of dengue and mosquito control measures was satisfactory to a significant extent. As a consequence, large-scale information, education and communication campaigns are needed at frequent intervals for the rural population.