Knowledge, Attitude & Practices towards Dengue Fever: Comparison between community and health care professionals

Abstract

Background: Dengue virus infection is considered as a major public health concern worldwide. The burden of disease can be reduced with community participation. Aim: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice towards dengue fever between community and health care professionals. Methodology: The study got approved by ethical review board. This cross sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2017, for the community and health care professionals (50 participants each) of King Edward Medical University, Lahore to compare the knowledge, attitude and practice towards dengue fever. A validated questionnaire was used. The study participants were included by non-probability convenient sampling. The participants were explained regarding study protocol and their consent was obtained. Results: The study participants consisted of 50 doctors and 50 community members. There was statistically significant difference in knowledge between doctors and communities in the area of dengue transmission and clinical features. Regarding attitude, there was statistically significant difference between the responses. However, there was not statistically significant difference between the responses in practices towards dengue fever. Conclusion: There are significant differences in knowledge, attitude and practices associated with dengue fever between doctors and community. The community needs to be educated more for this very important disease.