Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dengue fever among primary health care workers (phcws) in jazan region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study was conducted in Jazan region the South- Western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the objective of determining the current state of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of the Primary Health Care Workers in Jazan regarding Dengue fever. Methodology : Across sectional study was conducted in January 2019 among doctors, nurses, lab technicians, health inspectors and pharmacists in three sectors of Jazan region .Data was collected through was pretested pre, constructed, self- administered questionnaire, Frequencies of the answers to each question and scores were calculated. Result: A total of 500 PHCWs shared in the survey, 264 male and 236 female. The age group of the Participants were (20-30yrs) 45.4%, (31-44yrs) 36.2% and (45-60yrs) 18.4% years. Leaflets were the Most Common Source of Information of the Primary Health Care Workers. The respondents had in general Moderate level of knowledge in the areas explored with the high score of knowledge and positive attitude was for Doctors. Regarding The attitude the respondents had Neutral Attitude. (84.2%) of the respondents had fair practice among dengue fever. More than (75%) of doctors know the common signs and symptoms of DF. This Study also revealed out that participants lack knowledge regarding mode of transmission of DF and Warning Signs of DF. Significant associations were found between Knowledge and Practice (p<0.000) and Attitude and Practice (p=0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that if PHCWs are supplied with accurate knowledge through appropriate ways, they may eventually have good practices toward dengue fever. Primary Health Care Workers education is necessary to address the knowledge gap revealed in the study. There for educational programs should be organized for improving knowledge about dengue fever, ensure that PHCWs are receptive to the messages and make it easier for them to adopt desired Improvement in Dengue Fever Management, Control and Prevention.