Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Dengue Fever among University Students of Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Saadmaan Jubayer Khan, Kamrun Nahar Tanni, Tuly Roy, Musabber Ali Chisty, Md. Rakibul Islam, Md. Alim Al Raji Rumi, Mohammed Sadman Sakib, Masrur Abdul Quader, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Farzana Rahman, Edris Alam, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam
Abstract
Dhaka has become the worst affected city in Bangladesh regarding dengue fever (DF). A large number of university students are residing in this city with a high DF risk. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the DF status and responses among these students through their Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey. A total of 625 students participated in an online self-reported survey. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the status and KAP regarding DF. University students from the city perceived their living places as moderately safe (45.28%) against DF, whereas about 20% reported their DF infection history. Some of these students had exemplary DF knowledge (66.72%), attitude (89.28%), and practices (68.32%). However, many of them were also observed with a lack of knowledge about this disease’s infectious behavior, recognizing Aedes mosquito breeding sites, multiple infection cases, and the risk of DF viral infection during pregnancy. Fair correlations (p < 0.001) were determined in the KAP domain. Gender, residential unit, major, and dengue-relevant subjects were found to be significant predictors (p < 0.05) of KAP level in the univariate analysis. Major subject and residential units remained significant predictors of overall KAP level in further multiple analysis. This study revealed the urgency of infectious disease-related subjects and the relevant demonstration into the university curriculum. The study’s findings can assist the university, government and non-governmental organizations, and the health and social workers to prepare a comprehensive dengue response and preparedness plan.