Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever in a Suburban Community in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Dengue is a major public health concern in Sri Lanka. In the recent dengue epidemics, majority of cases of dengue were reported from the Colombo district.

To determine the knowledge attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding dengue fever (DF) in a suburban population in the Colombo District.

The study was a prospective, cross sectional study and was conducted in 2005/2006 in a suburb of Colombo district. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of 349 randomly selected residents in the BoralesgamuwaMOHarea.

Almost all the participants had heard of DF (98%), the media being the most quoted source of information. Based on the scoring system, only 58% had satisfactory knowledge on the symptoms, management and transmission of dengue. Furthermore, 37% of the participants demonstrated satisfactory attitudes and 85% claimed to have used good practices towards dengue.

The participants demonstrated gaps in knowledge and poor attitude which may affect the level and frequency of preventive practices. Our findings highlight the need for further information, education and communication programs in the community.