A Cross Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Dengue Infection among People Attending at the Outpatient Department in Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal, Bangladesh
Abstract
Dengue fever is a rapidly re-emerging mosquito-borne viral disease and a major public health concern globally and in Bangladesh. Prevention largely depends on community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward dengue control. This study aimed to assess KAP levels regarding dengue infection among individuals attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of a tertiary hospital in Barishal, Bangladesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 OPD attendees at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, Bangla-translated questionnaire (54 items) covering socio-demographic details, knowledge (26 items), attitude (9 items), and practice (10 items). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. Participants were mostly young (mean age 29.5 ± 9.02 years), male (55.7%), Muslim (79.8%), and from lower-income families. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 14.98 ± 6.39, 5.68 ± 2.21, and 6.07 ± 2.20, respectively. Overall, 39.4% had poor knowledge, 31.0% average, and 29.6% good knowledge. Attitudes were mostly positive (44.8% good), while practices were moderate (40.9% average). Despite favorable attitudes, knowledge gaps and inconsistent preventive practices persist, strengthening community-focused education on dengue symptoms, transmission, and sustainable vector control is vital for effective prevention in Bangladesh.
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