scholarly journals Applying health belief model for the assessment of community knowledge, attitude and prevention practices following a dengue epidemic in a township in Selangor, Malaysia

Author(s):  
Hidayatulfathi Othman ◽  
Zul-'Izzat Ikhwan Zaini ◽  
Norhafizah Karim ◽  
Nor Azimah Abd Rashid ◽  
Muhammad Badrul Hisham Abas ◽  
...  

Background: Dengue fever is endemic in Malaysia and continues to be a public health concern. Selangor was the top hit and there is a paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Bandar Baru Bangi residents regarding dengue infection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe dengue related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of residents of Bandar Baru Bangi.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 152 residents from Section 3 and Section 8, Bandar Baru Bangi attending the dengue awareness events was conducted. The information on socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge, attitude and practice on dengue fever was collected using a structured questionnaire.Results: The results showed that the residents only 52% had sufficient knowledge about the dengue vectors, signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission. However, approximately all the respondents considered dengue as serious but preventable disease to which they are vulnerable to. Television/radio was the predominant sources of information about dengue fever. Knowledge on dengue is associated with prevention practice. But the self-efficacy has a significant impact between the owner and tenant house (p=0.010, p<0.05). Female has higher self-efficacy compare to male.Conclusions: As conclusion, findings suggest that despite the residents of Bandar Baru Bangi have moderate knowledge level about dengue fever nevertheless; they still adopted the preventive measures suggested by the guidelines from Ministry of Health. Therefore, health program planners and practitioners need to identify why the dengue fever still rampant among the population.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Kranthi Swaroop Koonisetty ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Rajesh Nandy ◽  
Nasrin Aghamohammadi ◽  
Tamanna Urmi ◽  
...  

Dengue fever is one of the most important viral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Accurate identification of cases and treatment of dengue patients at the early stages can reduce medical complications and dengue mortality rate. This survey aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among physicians in dengue diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted among physicians in Turkey as one nonendemic country and Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia as three dengue-endemic countries. The dosing frequencies, maximum doses, and contraindications in dengue fever were examined. The results found that physicians from Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia have higher KAP scores in dengue diagnosis and treatment compared to physicians in Turkey. This may be due to a lack of physician’s exposure to a dengue patient as Turkey is considered a nonendemic country. This assessment may help establish a guideline for intervention strategies among physicians to have successful treatment outcomes and reduce dengue mortality.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Jacob ◽  
Vistolina Nuuyoma

Malaria remains a public health concern in Namibia and it is endemic in many regions, including Kavango east region. University students in Kavango east region are at risk of malaria due to bushy environment and the presence of Kavango river, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to multiply. This study aimed to assess and describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of malaria prevention among university students. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using a pretested questionnaire to collect data from 239 university students in Kavango east region. A proportionate stratified random sampling was used to sample students from the three faculties on campus. Data were analysed with a Statistical Programme of Social Sciences. The overall response rate was 75% (239) from a total of 318 respondents. Mean age was 21.4 years, respondents comprised of 155 (64.9%) females and 84 (35.1%) males. Almost all respondents (94.5%) know that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and 80% of respondents indicated that malaria is preventable. Usage of mosquito net was the most commonly known preventive measure, indicated by 224 (94%) of respondents. The vast majority of respondents 227 (95%) agreed that the appropriate method to prevent self from getting malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. Surprisingly 80 (33%) of the respondents believe that only children and pregnant women get malaria and therefore it&rsquo;s only them who need preventive measures. Only 43 (18%) of the respondents always sleep under mosquito nets to prevent themselves from getting malaria. It was concluded that university students in Kavango east region have good knowledge on malaria prevention measures. Although there were some misconceptions noted, especially on the identification of population at risk of malaria, the attitudes on malaria prevention are generally satisfactory. However, the knowledge and attitudes do not reflect in the students&rsquo; practices.&nbsp;


Author(s):  
Dushyant M. Nijhawan ◽  
Aditi J. Upadhye ◽  
Jayshree J. Upadhye

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The incidence of dengue infections continues to rise worldwide. Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the public are required to successfully prevent or minimize dengue outbreaks. However, very little is known about the public’s KAP on dengue and its prevention. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever in</span>.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">A cross-sectional study was conducted during November to December 2017. 200 residents were surveyed. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed and statistics taken out. </span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">In our study, out of 200 respondents, majority i.e. 170 (85%) of the respondents had heard about dengue. 162 (81%) knew that mosquito bite is the cause of dengue while 80 (40%) were aware that dengue mosquito breeds in clean standing water. Fever was the most consistent response in 188 (94%) respondents followed by GIT symptoms in 74 (37%), rash in 30 (15%), headache and body ache in 12 (6%). Majority i.e.172 (86%) of the respondents relying on mosquito mats and vaporizers. 64 (32%) respondents were using mosquito net, 62 (31%) had net on the windows, 42 (21%) were using sprays while only 10 (5%) were using repellent cream</span>.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">We found sufficient knowledge on dengue. Also, preventive practices regarding dengue were consistent with the knowledge about these practices. Preventive measures mainly focused towards protection from mosquito bites. </span></p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 289-300

Introduction: Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness with a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical countries. Population knowledge and practice play an essential role in the transmission and prevention of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding dengue fever among Malaysian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in twenty-five randomly selected universities across Malaysia. A total of 1520 respondents were approached by simple random sampling method. A previously validated and published questionnaire was used with little modification. The associations between the level of knowledge, Attitudes, and practice with different risk factors were calculated statistically and the significant association was considered with a p-value <0.05. Results: The data were analysed and showed that most of the students (56.3%, 46.2%, and 43.3%) has a moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice respectively toward dengue infection among the respondents. The result shows a significant association between the level of practice and knowledge (p-value <0.001) as well as between the level of practice and attitudes (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The significant association between the practice and knowledge along with attitudes indicates the more knowledge and attitudes lead to better practice. This study highlighted the important role of university students in dengue prevention-based programs. They should be exposed more to improve and transfer their knowledge and attitude to other community population to reduce the incidence of dengue not only in Malaysia but globally.


Author(s):  
Mansoor Shueai Al Awfi ◽  
Bushra Anaam AL Sharabi ◽  
Abdullah Al Alimi ◽  
Mohammed Abdo Abkar

Background: Good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on dengue fever will result a significant effect on prevention and control. Conversely, poor KAP help spread of dengue vectors and virus resulting in dengue epidemics. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among a cohort of nursing students in faculty of medicine and health sciences, Hodiedah University, Hodiedah, Yemen. Methods: Data was collected from 80 students using questionnaire method consists of a set of questions during 2016–2017educational year. KAP were assessed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory using a scoring system. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®). Chi-square test was used for testing associations.  Results: According to KAP scores, 12.5%, 97.5% and 25% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices respectively. While 87.5%, 2.5% and 75% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue fever. There is significant association between knowledge and practices (p= 0.001). However, there is no significant association between knowledge and attitudes (p= 0.588) about dengue fever. Conclusion: Present study concluded that 87.5 % and 75% of participants nursing students have unsatisfactory knowledge and practices regarding dengue infection. Therefore, it is importance to enhance their knowledge and practices before graduation and employing them for health care services in the community.


2021 ◽  
pp. 227-231
Author(s):  
Kouengoua Kouengoua Armelle Prudence ◽  
Nankam Chimi Roland ◽  
Oyetola Wilfried Délé ◽  
Njayou Ngapagna Arouna ◽  
Alambedji Rianatou Bada ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Shepherds are in constant contact with animals, and they are potential hosts for the transmission of zoonoses. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of shepherds in Cameroon's West region regarding zoonotic diseases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2017, on 218 shepherds. The data were collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The participants were assessed on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices that might expose them to bovine zoonose transmission, and the data were analyzed with R, version 2.13.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and the association between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge was explored using the Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 218 herdsmen, (205/218) 94% did not have any education, and (195/218) 89.5% did not know the definition of zoonosis. There was a correlation between the level of education and knowledge of the definition of zoonosis: About (162/218) 74.6% cited tuberculosis as a zoonosis, (62/218) 28.4% said the main modes of transmission were by ingestion of contaminated milk, and (66/218) 30.3% by consumption of contaminated meat. Abortions during the third trimester of gestation, combined with the presence of hygroma, were described by (130/218) 59.6% of the participants as brucellosis symptoms. In terms of practices and attitudes, (187/218) 85.8% and (50.14/218) 23.0% of the participants confirmed that they consumed raw milk and raw meat, respectively. Almost all (214/218) 98.1% interviewees stated that blood consumption is forbidden. In case of suspicion of disease, (204/218) 93.6% maintained that they treated sick animals without a veterinary prescription, and (209/218) 95.9% left the carcasses in the wild. After contact with animals, (181/218) 83.3% washed their hands. Finally, (192/218) 88.3% would like to be informed about zoonoses. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about zoonotic diseases was low; a high percentage of shepherds followed inadequate hygiene practices and expressed concern about zoonoses. As a result, they are at risk of exposure to pathogens. It would be in the interest of public health to develop training programs for shepherds and livestock owners to mitigate zoonotic risks.


Author(s):  
Md Siddikur Rahman ◽  
Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic ◽  
Mahdi Baghbanzadeh ◽  
Miftahuzzannat Amrin ◽  
Sumaira Zafar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bangladesh experienced its worst dengue fever (DF) outbreak in 2019. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among university students in Bangladesh and significant factors associated with their prevention practices related to climate change and DF. Methods A social media–based (Facebook) cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted and secondary data of reported DF cases in 2019 extracted. Logistic regression and spatial analysis were run to examine the data. Results Of 1500 respondents, 76% believed that climate change can affect DF transmission. However, participants reported good climate change knowledge (76.7%), attitudes (87.9%) and practices (39.1%). The corresponding figures for DF were knowledge (47.9%), attitudes (80.3%) and practices (25.9%). Good knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with good climate change adaptation or mitigation practices (p&lt;0.05). Good knowledge, attitudes and previous DF experiences were also found to be significantly associated with good DF prevention practices (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant positive correlation between climate change and DF KAP scores and the number of DF cases. Conclusions Findings from this study provide baseline data that can be used to promote educational campaigns and intervention programs focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation and effective DF prevention strategies among various communities in Bangladesh and similar dengue-endemic countries.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Sheehama J ◽  
◽  
Nghitongo A ◽  
Anyolo F ◽  
◽  
...  

The misuse of alcohol has pervasive and potentially detrimental effects on the body, in society and the economy at large. The rise thereof and its adverse effects have become a public health concern. Various studies done have indicated that excessive alcohol consumption leads to a great deal of health and social consequences. The main purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young adults on alcohol use and its effects on their health. The study applied a quantitative approach, using a cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory design to obtain data from 383 participants aged 18–30 years. A cluster random sampling method was employed, data was compiled and analysed using SPSS version 25.


Author(s):  
Issa Yakusu ◽  
Francis Baelongadi ◽  
Lobela Bumba ◽  
Osinga Bonyoma ◽  
Basandja Longemba Eugene ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Covid-19 among residents of the Plateau Boyoma neighborhood. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and a cross- sectional survey was carried out among 214 households in the Plateau Boyoma district between September 27 and October 27, 2020. Participants were questioned on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19. The data was analyzed by SPSS. Results: The majority of respondents were males aged 39 to 45 years. Most of the participants had higher education (68.7%). The main sources of information on COVID-19 were radio and television. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards complying with government infection control measures, 43.9% said they frequently wash their hands with soap and water, cover their mouth and their skin, respectively nose when coughing or sneezing. However, household concern about COVID-19 is very great. In this study, the surveys had a high level of knowledge about COVID-19 and adapted attitudes towards this disease. However, community health campaigns are necessary to have optimistic attitudes and practice appropriate intervention measures without misconceptions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reynaldo Jr Bundalian ◽  
Monalisa Lacson ◽  
Catherine Bacani ◽  
Dinah Rose Soriano ◽  
Agnes Garing ◽  
...  

In 2007, the Philippine government passed the Anti-Rabies Act to address rabies in the country. However, rabies is still a major public health concern in many provinces. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of residents on rabies, the Anti Rabies Act, and responsible pet ownership (RPO) in Pampanga, Philippines. A cross-sectional survey was done from October 2017 to February 2018 in 92 randomly selected barangays in the province. Questionnaires were adapted from similar studies. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results showed that most people have good knowledge of the Anti-Rabies Act, RPO, and moderate knowledge of rabies. Their attitude toward rabies was appropriate, and on RPO, moderate. The RPO practices by most dog owners were good and moderate for most cat owners. Moreover, the subjects’ area of residence was a significant factor in their knowledge of RPO, and pet ownership status was a significant factor in their RPO attitude. In general, respondents showed satisfactory knowledge; however, there is a need to intensify information and education campaigns in rural areas.


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