Knowledge and preventive practices regarding dengue among adult population of rural area of nalgonda district, south india

Aims: To study the knowledge regarding dengue and the preventive measures practiced by the community. To suggest recommendations based on their awareness and practice of preventive measures. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was undertaken in Seshambabudem village of Tippathy mandal, Nalgonda district during February to May 2011. The study area constitutes 315 households with population of 1469. All the households were included by census method. From each household an individual aged 19-60 years were interviewed by using pre designed, pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Likewise 292 individuals from 315 households were enrolled in the study. Data was compiled and analyzed and results were shown in percentages. Results: Majority of the respondents (43.2%) were in the age group of 15-30 years. As per their literacy status, 45.2% were illiterate. As per modified B G Prasad’s classification of socio-economic status, those belonging to high class and lower middle class of socio-economic status were 25.3% and 18.5% respectively. The most common cause of dengue cited was mosquito bite (60.61%). Around 57.53% of them were aware of fever as the presenting symptom. However more than a quarter (34.9%) of the respondents were not aware of any of the symptoms. Half of the respondents (51.36%) were aware of preventive measures such as mosquito repellents like matt, liquid repellents/coils. Common preventive practices that were prevalent in the community were use of mosquito repellents (46.57%), prevent water stagnation (13.01%), cleaning the house (34.93%). Very few of them practiced weekly emptying of containers (9.58%) and use of mosquito nets (11.64%). Important sources of information about dengue were from TV/ Radio (39.04%). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for further information, education and communication programs to identify barriers to action and to seek ways to translate population knowledge about dengue into positive preventive practices.