A Study to Assess the Knowledge, Awareness and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue Fever among Patients Visiting Medical OPD at Civil Hospital, Nadiad City

Background: Dengue, the mosquito borne disease has become global public health problem. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness and preventive practices regarding dengue fever among patients visiting medical OPD at civil hospital, Nadiad City.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 randomly selected patients from Civil Hospital, Nadiad during September to November 2021. A structured questionnaire was used covering socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, knowledge, awareness, treatment and preventive practices regarding dengue fever. Data were analyzed using descriptive, inferential.

Results: Of the 100 participants recruited in the study, 47% were females and 53% were males. A majority 63% belong to 15 - 45 years of age, were Hindus 80%, studied up to primary level (68%), resided in the urban area (64%) and 22% had past dengue exposure. Although patients had heard of dengue, the overall mean score of knowledge, awareness and preventive practices regarding dengue fever was 16.5 ± 1.4, with 23%, 68%, and 9% participants having good, average and poor knowledge respectively regarding dengue.

Conclusion: It was evident that the patients have the sufficient knowledge regarding dengue fever and its prevention, but execution of this knowledge in putting the dengue preventive measures to practice was poor. There is a need to create awareness for hygiene and cleanliness to prevent mosquito bites.