Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Dengue fever among residents of Indira Colony, Ghaziabad

Abstract

Dengue Fever (DF) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral illness all over the world. DF has expanded to new countries and from urban to rural areas. DF has emerged as a notable public health problem in recent decades. Rapid urbanization, environmental changes and neglected rural areas result in vector breeding which causes rise in Dengue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding DF among residents of Indira Colony, Ghaziabad. Cross-sectional survey was done among residents of Indira Colony using a pre-designed questionnaire. KAP of DF among study population was represented as percentage. Out of 250 individuals interviewed, 93% identified fever as a cardinal symptom of DF. The knowledge about other symptoms of DF was low among residents. Only 17.5% knew that DF is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The correct timing of biting time was known by only 14%. Despite low knowledge, the residents had good attitude and most of them reported good preventive practices against dengue prevention and control. Awareness campaigns can help to protect the health of people against DF and to limit in future spread of DF.