Assessment of knowledge, awareness and practices regarding dengue among urban population

Aim: To conduct a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and practices concerning the pathology dengue. Background: Dengue fever is an acutefbrile disease due to a viral infection and presents with severe headache, retro-orbital pain, muscular and joint pain as well as a rash. Therefore, the most important strategy in the prevention and control of dengue lies in the control of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. Due to the absence of a vaccine or a cure, the only effective measure available to prevent and control dengue is by preventing transmission of the disease by the Aedes mosquito. Materials and Method: Study design: cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Sample size: 100. Subjects: urban population. The survey was conducted online utilizing the website apps.surveyplanet.com. Questionnaire in English enlisting 15 questions that primarily focussed on the knowledge, awareness and practises regarding dengue. Data management and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft-Excel. Result: On analysis of result obtained under etiology, signs and symptoms, investigation and treatment and prevention. Under the category of etiology, the average mean of awareness is 74%, under signs and symptoms it is 47%, investigation is 64% and prevention and treatment is 57%.Hence,although average knowledge is present it is necessary to promote awareness of dengue to ensure control against this epidemic disease. Conclusion: Although appreciable knowledge about dengue exists, it did not translate to adoption of preventive measures. Thereby producing need to reduce this knowledge application gap. Thus, understanding people perception and practices could help in identifying the targets areas to control outbreaks and promote awareness.