Knowledge, attitude and practice towards dengue fever among general people at Sonargaon Upazila of Narayanganj city, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever, a rapidly growing public health threat in tropical and subtropical regions, is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This viral disease has seen an exponential rise in incidence globally, significantly impacting countries like Bangladesh, where urbanization, climate conditions, and waste management issues contribute to its spread. Sonargaon Upazila in Narayanganj City, Bangladesh, is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to Dhaka and rapid urban growth. Effective dengue prevention relies heavily on public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the disease. Aim/Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning dengue fever among the general population in Sonargaon Upazila, with a focus on socio-demographic factors on persons perceptions and behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in targeting residents. A stratified sampling approach was employed to ensure representation across diverse socio demographic groups. Data were gathered via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. This methodology allowed a comprehensive assessment of KAP levels in this urbanizing region and provided insights into socio-demographic factors affecting dengue awareness and preventative behavior. Result: The study found a generally high awareness of dengue’s severity among participants, with 89.6% understanding its potentially fatal outcomes and 97.4% recognizing the importance of community-level mosquito control. However, gaps in specific practices were apparent: only 51.8% checked for mosquito larvae, and just 41.7% correctly identified the mosquito species responsible. Knowledge and behavior disconnect were noted, with only 28.6% engaging local authorities for mosquito control. Educational level was positively associated with better KAP outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although the majority acknowledged the importance of community-based prevention, specific knowledge gaps were found, with only half of participants identifying Aedes mosquito larvae and species responsible for transmission. The findings suggest a need for targeted public health interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices, focusing on underserved populations and encouraging active engagement with local authorities. Keywords: Dengue fever, Knowledge-Attitude-Practice, General-People