Awareness on dengue haemorrhagic fever prevention in Insein township, Yangon region, Myanmar

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an epidemic-prone, vector-borne communicable disease found all over the world. Effective prevention and control of Dengue requires vector control and interrupting human-vector contact. Vector control methods can only be effective with community awareness and engagement regarding preventing dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). This study aimed to assess the awareness of DHF prevention in an urban township in Yangon, Myanmar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 participants in an urban slum in Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar, from July 2019 to August 2019. The knowledge level of DHF prevention was assessed using a structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews. Results: Female respondents accounted for (n=148, 67.9%), and the average age of the respondents was 40.67 years (SD±13.25). The present study indicates that (n=176, 80.7%) had a good knowledge of DHF prevention. Most participants knew that mosquito biting is the cause of DHF, the signs and symptoms of DHF, and individual preventive activities of DHF. The participants (n=129, 59.2%) correctly identified clean water as mosquito breeding sites and a quarter of the respondents (n=56, 25.7%) provided inaccurate information about Aedes mosquitos as causal vectors of dengue fever. Some respondents (n=27, 12.3%) provided incorrect responses about the transmission of the daytime biting habit of the Aedes mosquito. Conclusions: The participants had good levels of knowledge, but insufficient knowledge and preventive practices of DHF were noted. Health promotion programs should focus more on correcting incorrect DHF knowledge and improving prevention strategies to enhance vector control and personal protection within the community.