Predictors of Knowledge, Awareness and Preventive Practice toward Dengue Fever among Disaster-Affected Riverine Dwellers in Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Though Dengue Fever (DF) has reemerged as a major public health concern, little is known about public knowledge, awareness and preventive practice of DF in Bangladesh, especially in disaster-prone areas. We examined the knowledge, awareness and preventive practice and its predictors regarding DF among disaster-affected areas in Bangladesh.

METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study utilizing a simple random sampling technique was conducted with a close-ended questionnaire. Using SPSS version 25 software, descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed for the study variables.

RESULTS: 92.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about DF, and 80.4% were aware of DF. Majority respondents believed that DF is treatable (92.8%) and got DF-related information from TV/Radio (65.5%). Males were 2.41 times (95% CI: 1.88-4.77; p<0.001) more knowledgeable on DF than females. Younger adults (18-30 years old) were 1.47 times (95% CI: 1.59-3.68; p=0.002) more knowledgeable on DF than others. Males were 1.99 times (95% CI: 1.23-3.21; p=0.005) more likely to be aware of DF than females. Young people (18-30 years old) were 2.01 times (95% CI: 1.89-3.19) more likely to be aware than others. Respondents whose family members worked in healthcare were 2.09 times (95% CI: 1.23-3.02; p=0.031) more likely to be aware than others.

CONCLUSION: Males and younger adults had better awarness and knowledge about DF. Tailored educational programs and awareness campaigns should focus on females, and older individuals.