Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about dengue fever among the population in Hodeidah, Yemen

In Yemen, dengue is one of the major public health concerns. Cases have been recorded in almost all governorates in Yemen. In 2019, the Hodeidah governorate had the second highest death rate in the country. Adequate public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dengue prevention are essential for effective disease control. This study aims to assess KAP about dengue fever among the communities in Hodeidah, Yemen. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to December 30, 2019, among population residing in six districts of Hodeidah governorate, Yemen. A total of 422 participants were selected using a stratified multistage cluster sampling technique and interviewed face-to-face using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of good dengue practices. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results revealed that only 2.8% of participants demonstrated good knowledge regarding dengue fever, while 32.9% showed positive attitudes and 11.6% reported good preventive practices. Weak but significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.103, p = 0.035) and between knowledge and practice (r = 0.313, p < 0.001). Knowledge scores were significantly associated with residence, occupation, and educational level (p < 0.001). Attitude scores differed significantly by residence and age group, whereas practice scores differed by residence and sex. Female participants were more likely to demonstrate good dengue prevention practices than males (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.56-3.67, p < 0.001). Overall knowledge and preventive practices regarding dengue fever were poor among residents of the Hodeidah governorate. Strengthening community-based health education and public participation in dengue prevention and vector control programs is recommended.