Dengue fever in Pakistan: a paradigm shift; changing epidemiology and clinical patterns

Haider, Zahra; Ahmad, F.; Mahmood, Asif; Waseem, Tariq; Shafiq, Irfan; Raza, Tanzeem; Qazi, Javaria; Siddique, Nasir; Humayun, Malik Asif

doi:10.1177/1757913915599019

Cited by 39 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…The definition that qualified each event as an outbreak was unclear in most instances. Outbreaks of DENV serotypes 1–3 were reported from countries surrounding the Red Sea and DENV-4 was only reported from Pakistan [120, 121]. Although, in general, DENV serotypes were not reported consistently.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dengue in the Middle East and North Africa: A Systematic Review

et al. 2016

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BackgroundDengue virus (DENV) infection is widespread and its disease burden has increased in past decades. However, little is known about the epidemiology of dengue in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).Methodology / Principal FindingsFollowing Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reporting our findings following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed available records across MENA describing dengue occurrence in humans (prevalence studies, incidence studies, and outbreak reports), occurrence of suitable vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), and DENV vector infection rates. We identified 105 human prevalence measures in 13 of 24 MENA countries; 81 outbreaks reported from 9 countries from 1941–2015; and reports of Ae. aegypti and/or Ae. albopictus occurrence in 15 countries. The majority of seroprevalence studies were reported from the Red Sea region and Pakistan, with multiple studies indicating >20% DENV seroprevalence in general populations (median 25%, range 0–62%) in these subregions. Fifty percent of these studies were conducted prior to 1990. Multiple studies utilized assays susceptible to serologic cross-reactions and 5% of seroprevalence studies utilized viral neutralization testing. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and outbreak reporting, as well as variability in subregional study coverage, study populations, and laboratory methods used for diagnosis.Conclusions / SignificanceDENV seroprevalence in the MENA is high among some populations in the Red Sea region and Pakistan, while recent outbreaks in these subregions suggest increasing incidence of DENV which may be driven by a variety of ecologic and social factors. However, there is insufficient study coverage to draw conclusions about Aedes or DENV presence in multiple MENA countries. These findings illustrate the epidemiology of DENV in the MENA while revealing priorities for DENV surveillance and Aedes control.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dengue in the Middle East and North Africa: A Systematic Review

et al. 2016

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“…Dengue fever is a severe influenza-like infection that affects all age groups and rarely causes death, but in developing countries like Pakistan, dengue has the potential to cause high mortality because of an improper water system and sanitation, a large number of refugees, uncontrolled urbanization, improper urban infrastructure, frequent natural disasters, and a lack of resources [6]. The World Health Organization has been working with the Ministry of Health of Pakistan to cope with the situation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of the Health Belief Model for the Assessment of Public Knowledge and Household Preventive Practices in Karachi, Pakistan, a Dengue-Endemic City

et al. 2016

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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.

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“…Further, literature regarding both "nature-based care" and "medicinal plants" underlines a reduction in consumption and costs of PHC as a result of the preventive and therapeutic potential of the presented interventions (29,(33)(34)(35)(36)(37). Literature regarding "infectious diseases" and "natural disasters" describes the potential of PHC in disease control and prevention only on the population level through early interventions during the detection and treatment of diseases (38)(39)(40).…”

Section: Argumentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nature's Contributions to Human Health: A Missing Link to Primary Health Care? A Scoping Review of International Overview Reports and Scientific Evidence

Lauwers

Bastiaens

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et al. 2020

Front. Public Health

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Nature's contributions to human health (NCH) have gained increased attention internationally in scientific and policy arenas. However, little attention is given to the role of the health care sector in this discussion. Primary health care (PHC) is a vital backbone for linking knowledge and practice within the organization of health care. The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate how international overview reports and scientific literature on NCH address to PHC. More specifically, we extracted data on arguments, practice supporting tools and guidelines, challenges and constraints, and management approaches to integrate NCH and PHC. The scientific literature search was run in Web of Science. Two independent reviewers screened the scientific publications. Through the scientific literature search, we identified 1,995 articles of which 79 were eligible for analysis. We complemented the search with a selection of six international overview reports. Both the international overview reports and the scientific publications paid limited attention to the role of PHC regarding NCH. To cope with the current challenges and constraints to integrate NCH and PHC, more evidence on NCH, further development of PHC practice supporting tools, bottom-up integrated approaches, and closer interdisciplinary collaborations are required.

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Dengue fever in Pakistan: a paradigm shift; changing epidemiology and clinical patterns

Cited by 39 publications

References 22 publications

Dengue in the Middle East and North Africa: A Systematic Review

Dengue in the Middle East and North Africa: A Systematic Review

Use of the Health Belief Model for the Assessment of Public Knowledge and Household Preventive Practices in Karachi, Pakistan, a Dengue-Endemic City

Nature's Contributions to Human Health: A Missing Link to Primary Health Care? A Scoping Review of International Overview Reports and Scientific Evidence

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