A KAP Study on dengue prevention and surveillance among healthcare professionals in Narowal, Pakistan

To assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals regarding dengue prevention and surveillance systems, and to identify the relevant gaps.

The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 at the District Health Authority Hospital in Narowal, Pakistan, and comprised a range of healthcare professionals. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.

Of the 400 subjects with mean age 34.68±7.170 years, 271(67.8%) were females, 301(75.2%) had experience >10 years, 79(19.8%) were doctors and 321(80.2%) were nurses, paramedics or lady health visitors. Overall, 271(67.8%) subjects identified fever as a symptom of dengue, 203(50.8%) said dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water, 381(95.2%) could identify dengue-transmitting mosquitoes, 269(67.2%) said dengue mosquitoes bite during the daytime, and 133(33.2%) correctly stated that aspirin should not be given to dengue patients. Further, 289(72.2%) subjects considered dengue a serious illness, and 371(92.8%) believed it could be prevented. Additionally, 179(44.8%) subjects participated in community campaigns.

There were significant areas for improvement in the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to dengue prevention among the healthcare professionals.