Dengue Fever Responses in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Saadmaan Jubayer Khan, Kamrun Nahar Tanni, Tuly Roy, Md. Rakibul Islam, Md. Alim Al Raji Rumi, Mohammed Sadman Sakib, Masrur Abdul Quader, Nafee-Ul-Islam Bhuiyan, Musabber Ali Chisty, Farzana Rahman, Edris Alam
Abstract
Objectives: This study intends to evaluate the Dhaka city residents’ individual views toward DF. Methods: A cross-sectional survey used google forms for collecting data. Python and RStudio were used for data management and analysis. Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression models were performed, where appropriate. Results: In total 1008 individuals participated in a pre-tested KAP survey. More than 20% reported being affected by DF before the survey, where they rated their current places as being moderately safe (43%). In terms of DF control, 65% had good knowledge, and 68% reported good practice, whereas they demonstrated an overall good attitude. The increased knowledge of individuals could contribute to behavioral changes regarding DF. Female residents demonstrated better DF attitudes (OR: 0.69; p < 0.05) and practices (OR: 0.66; p < 0.01) compared to male residents. Mixed unit residents had poor KAP levels. Educational attainment can also play an essential role in enhancing the attitude level. Conclusion: Overall, dengue surveillance activities with sufficient campaigns are required for behavioral change in Dhaka city. This information could be integrated into other DF-affected countries’ strategies against dengue outbreaks.