Abstract
BackgroundPrevention is most effective in reducing dengue infection risk, especially in endemic countries like Pakistan. Evaluation of public awareness and health beliefs regarding dengue fever (DF) is important for devising disease control strategies. This study assessed dengue knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive practices against DF in different socioeconomic groups of Karachi, Pakistan.MethodologyIn this community-based cross-sectional study, 6 randomly selected towns were visited, 2 persons (man and woman) per household were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and household practices were observed. Information regarding DF was shared through a printed pamphlet. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables associated with dengue knowledge and practices was conducted.Principal FindingsWe interviewed 608 Karachi residents (mean age: 33.2 ± 13.35 years); 7.7%, 71.9%, and 20.4% had a high, middle, and low socioeconomic status, respectively. The mean knowledge score was 6.4 ± 2.10 out of 14. The mean preventive practices score was 9 ± 1.8 out of 17. Predictors of dengue knowledge were perceived threat (odds ratio [OR] = 1.802; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–2.71; p = 0.005), self-efficacy (OR = 2.910; 95% CI = 1.77–4.76; p = 0.000), and television as an information source (OR = 3.202; 95% CI = 1.97–5.17; p = 0.000). Predictors of dengue preventive practices were perceived threat (OR = 1.502; 95% CI = 1.02–2.19; p = 0.036), self-efficacy (OR = 1.982; 95% CI = 1.34–2.91; p = 0.000), and dengue knowledge (OR = 1.581; 95% CI = 1.05–2.37; p = 0.028).ConclusionsPublic knowledge about DF is low in Karachi. Knowledge, threat perception, and self-efficacy are significant predictors of adequate dengue preventive practices. Prevention and control strategies should focus on raising awareness about dengue contraction risk and severity through television. Health messages should be designed to increase individual self-efficacy.
Highlights
Dengue fever is a massive health threat throughout the world, with the global estimate of the dengue-affected population reaching almost 400 million [1]
Public knowledge about dengue fever (DF) is low in Karachi
Analysis of associations of the sources of dengue information with dengue knowledge, preventive practices, perceived threat of dengue, and self-efficacy showed a significant association for television, newspapers, and the government campaign performed to promote dengue knowledge in the community (Table 1)
Summary
Dengue fever is a massive health threat throughout the world, with the global estimate of the dengue-affected population reaching almost 400 million [1]. Factors augmenting dengue spread are uncontrolled urbanization, population growth, and lack of preventive measures in endemic areas [2]. A local study reported an incidence rate of 570/100,000 per year in the 10 to 15 years age group [3]. In 2011, 22,562 dengue cases were confirmed, with 363 deaths recorded in the country. In 2015, 3,212 cases were detected in Karachi, with an incidence rate of 35.6 per 100,000 in the 9-million population. Prevention is most effective in reducing dengue infection risk, especially in endemic countries like Pakistan. Evaluation of public awareness and health beliefs regarding dengue fever (DF) is important for devising disease control strategies. This study assessed dengue knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive practices against DF in different socioeconomic groups of Karachi, Pakistan
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