Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about dengue among pupils from rural schools in an endemic area in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Studies on dengue in rural areas are scarce since the disease is considered mainly urban.Objective: To determine the knowledge (K), attitudes (A) and practices (P) of dengue in an endemic area in Colombia.Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 515 pupils (7-16 years old) in 34 rural schools in Anapoima and La Mesa municipalities during 2011. Each KAP category was evaluated independently by a scoring system and then categorized into high, medium or low.Results: Pupils recognized knowledge variables such as the symptoms (fever, bone pain), transmission route (mosquito bites), and mosquito breeding sites (uncovered water tanks, solid waste). Average scores on attitude were high in both municipalities indicating a well-developed perception of disease severity. Seeking treatment in medical centers and self-medication for fever management and the use of mosquito net and space-spraying of insecticides were the most frequently identified practices.Discussion: This is the first KAP dengue study performed in a rural area in Colombia and as such it contributes to the understanding of dengue perceptions by the inhabitants of these areas. It showed a medium level of knowledge about dengue and a lower level of preventive practices in pupils from rural schools. It also showed that pupils considered space-spraying as crucial for vector control. The presence of the vector in rural areas of the country underlines the need to improve surveillance and education to more effectively control the vector and promote prevention methods including community participation.

Cross-sectional study of dengue-related knowledge, attitudes and practices in Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru

“…KAP surveys relating to dengue have been carried out in many countries, including a number in Latin America. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] MINSA carried out a survey in 2004 reporting how KAP can influence the successful implementation of public health campaigns. 24 Since then, they have carried out numerous campaigns to promote and educate the public in relation to dengue and other A. aegypti transmitted diseases.…”

Factors associated with dengue fever prevention practices in endemic area

“…Efforts to increase knowledge are not only knowledge about prevention but also need public knowledge about its transmission and sources of DHF vector breeding [24]. Improving DHF prevention practices requires increased supervision and education to more effectively control vectors and promote prevention methods that involve community participation [25].…”

Hubungan Pengetahuan, Sikap Dengan Praktik Pencegahan DBD

“…Informasi tentang karakteristik kontainer yang disenangi nyamuk juga penting diberikan untuk upaya menekan keberadaan vektor di masyarakat dan mengurangi penularan DBD di masyarakat (Arfan et al, 2019). Untuk meningkatkan Praktik pencegahan DBD membutuhkan adanya peningkatan pengawasan dan pendidikan yang lebih efektif dalam mengendalikan vektor dan mempromosikan metode pencegahan yang melibatkan partisipasi masyarakat (Sarmiento-Senior et al, 2019). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan hasil beberapa penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengetahuan menjadi indikator penting dalam tindakan pencegahan DBD masyarakat.…”