Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue among people in Pakse, Laos

Dengue fever (DF) is an acute febrile disease, caused by infection of dengue virus transmitted by the female Aedes mosquito. This is the second leading cause of deaths in Champasack Province, where Pakse district has the highest number of this outbreak. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of people regarding dengue disease in 9 villages of the Pakse district from July to September 2006. Purposive sampling was done to collect data from 230 subjects. They had a fair knowledge about the vector 163 (70.9%). For 101 (43.9%) respondents, their main source of information about dengue was their friends or relatives. It is encouraging that 217 (94.3%) respondents had a positive attitude that DF can be treated, and that 222 (96.5%) knew they should visit a doctor when they suffer from it. About 196 (85.2%) people stored water at home but infrequently changed it. The study indicated that the community was quite familiar with Dengue, but that there was some confusion about vaccination and water storage for domestic use. Dengue awareness activity should be included at the school and college level. Radio and television should play an important role in conveying health information to the public, and regular visits of health personnel to the villagers should be ensured.