Knowledge and preventive practices on dengue among slum dwellers of middle adulthood in Jhapa district of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito–borne tropical disease which is a major health concern across the globe. The year 2016 was characterized by large dengue outbreak worldwide. In Nepal, the first dengue case was reported in 2004 whereas Nepal had experienced a major outbreak of Dengue in several districts in 2010. Since there is no specific vaccine available, awareness to prevent and control is a must. Objective: This study is aimed to assess the knowledge and preventive practices of dengue among slum dwellers of middle adulthood (40–65years) in Jhapa district of Nepal. Methodology: A descriptive cross–sectional study was conducted from March of 2018. Non–probability purposive sampling technique was applied to collect data among 109 households through face to face interview using semi–structured questionnaire for knowledge and checklist for practice assessment. Then data was analyzed in SPSS version– 20. Total knowledge and practice score were calculated and association between different variables was measured. Result: Maximum 85.3% and 14.7% of the respondent had medium and high knowledge about Dengue respectively. More than half (54%) had poor practice, 41.3% had fair and 4.6% had least (4.6%) of the respondent had good preventive practice. There was association between knowledge, age and occupation of the respondent and preventive practices. Conclusion: Majority of the respondent had medium knowledge level on Dengue while the overall preventive practices were below average. Hence, health education and awareness program can be launched to upgrade existing knowledge and its preventive practices.