Dengue Fever Awareness among Patient Presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital, Gurugram (India)

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is widespread in India. Environmental changes and lack of awareness increasespread and increase dengue outbreaks. This study was conducted at SGT Medical College Hospital& Research Institute, Budhera, Gurugram, (India), to build knowledge of dengue infection and dengueprevention activities among patients.Method: A cross-sectional survey was performed in SGT Medical College Hospital & Research Institute,Budhera, Gurugram, India. Study took place among 224 participants from May to October 2020. Organizedpatients sampling followed. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Difference was calculated usingChi square test (qualitative variables). P was assumed to be p<0.05.Results: 210 (93.7%) of participants understood dengue. Dengue fever symptoms responded 50% ofparticipants correctly. 89% correctly claimed Aedes mosquito transmits dengue. About 40 % of participantshad correct knowledge about Aedes mosquito’s breeding habitat and biting habit. In addition to avoidingmosquito bite, researchers use diverse strategies-mosquito spirals (53.7%), mosquito nets (14.7%). Nomosquito bites prevention strategy followed by 15.1%.Conclusions: While most of the sample participants knew of dengue and dengue fever transmissionmosquito signs, under half were conscious and 25% did not observe any mosquito bite avoidance procedure.Conclusions: Group consciousness plays an important part in improvising practices to avoid dengue.