Knowledge and prevention measures against dengue in southern Nepal

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the knowledge and prevention measures against dengue among selected adult population in southern Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Rapti Zonal Hospital, Dang and Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan during August-November, 2011. A total of 212 patients were interviewed regarding their knowledge and practices about dengue fever. Serum samples were collected and investigated for the presence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies by IgM-ELISA. Results: Data from 156 patients greater than 15 years were analyzed. Among them, 21 samples were found to possess anti-dengue IgM antibodies by ELISA. Females, economically active people, farmers, unemployed and housewives were more frequently affected by dengue. Of the total, 118 (76%) were reported to know the disease dengue. Fever, headache and myalgia were the most known symptoms and house drains and kitchen garden were known as the most common breeding sites of mosquitoes. Garbage disposal, use of mosquito nets and covering water containers were the best known preventive measures. Conclusions: The overall knowledge of dengue was high, but females, old persons, unemployed and housewives had relatively little knowledge of dengue. Therefore, these groups may need special attention in future dengue education programs. Persons with knowledge of the disease more frequently reported the use of preventive measures, indicating the value of education programs as a tool in dengue prevention.