Abstract
Background: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of in-patients with dengue fever (DF) through hospital-based surveillance has not been done. This study aimed to assess and compare the KAP, identify its predictors, correlation, and protective factors among pediatric and adult patients with DF and community-based controls to structure proactive community-wide DF prevention and control programs. Methods: This case-control study involved clinically or serologically confirmed patients (pediatrics n = 233; adults n = 17) with DF admitted in three public hospitals and community-based controls in Metro Manila, Philippines. A pretested structured KAP questionnaire was administered to participants to assess their KAP. Results: Pediatric and adult patients had significantly lower mean scores in the practice (p < 0.001) domain compared with the pediatric and adult controls. Being in senior high school, having had days in hospital, and rash were predictors of KAP among pediatric patients. Knowledge and attitude of patients with DF did not correlate with their practices against DF. Use of mosquito-eating fish, screen windows, and dengue vaccine were protective factors against DF. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of behavioral change for knowledge and attitude to have significant effect to practices against DF. Thus, we recommend two comprehensive health programs, Communication for Behavioral Impact (COMBI) and Health Belief Model (HBM).
Highlights
To date, there is no known cure for dengue fever (DF), the world’s fastest spreading mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted mainly by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Pediatric and adult patients with DF admitted in three hospitals in Metro Manila, compared with their counterparts, had lower mean scores in the practice domain, and knowledge and attitude were not correlated with practice, highlighting the importance of behavioral change for knowledge and attitude to have a significant effect on practices against DF
Health programs should focus on translating knowledge and attitudes into more effective practices against DF through behavior change
Summary
There is no known cure for dengue fever (DF), the world’s fastest spreading mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted mainly by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It causes approximately 390 million cases per year and puts an estimated 3.9 billion people at risk in 128 countries [1,2,3]. This study aimed to assess and compare the KAP, identify its predictors, correlation, and protective factors among pediatric and adult patients with. Methods: This case-control study involved clinically or serologically confirmed patients (pediatrics n = 233; adults n = 17) with DF admitted in three public hospitals and community-based controls in Metro Manila, Philippines. Knowledge and attitude of patients with DF did not correlate with their practices against DF
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