Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding dengue among residents of South Delhi, India

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is an arboviral disease transmitted by two species of Aedes mosquito, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It poses a global public health challenge, especially in regions such as tropical and subtropical areas where warm and humid climates are ideal for these mosquitoes to thrive. The findings of survey reveals insights into the community's understanding of dengue transmission, their approach to its prevention, and the measures taken by them to avoid infection. Method: This article examines the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of residents in South Delhi towards dengue prevention, based on a survey conducted in 250 households from September to October 2024. In this survey, eight different localities including two Government Institutions, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, and IIT Campus, Hauz Khas, and two posh areas Asian Games Village Complex, Khel Gaon and Vasant Kunj have been selected for study. Apart from these two villages, Munirka village and Saidulajab village and two slum areas Bengali camp, Vasant Kunj, and Parvatiya Camp, Sector-4, R.K Puram, New Delhi have also been selected. Data were gathered directly from local residents through in-person interviews.Results: Although 90.8% of respondents know that dengue disease is transmitted by mosquitoes but 76.0% do not know that the primary vector for dengue transmission is the Aedes mosquito. Out of 250 respondents, 48.4% of respondents did not know that preventive measures should be taken against dengue. Only 22.4% of respondents knew there was no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Conclusion: This study suggests that proper educational and health campaigns should be run from time to time so that awareness among general people about dengue transmission by Aedes mosquito can be generated and information regarding the preventive measures against dengue disease can be disseminated