Dengue prevention in Wassakara: knowledge, attitude, and practices survey, Yopougon-Est, Ivory Coast, 2025

Dengue is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes that is rapidly spreading in West Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite the efforts of health institutions, the disease remains underdiagnosed and difficult to control, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas such as Abidjan. This study focused on Wassakara, a disadvantaged neighborhood in the Yopougon district of Abidjan, to assess adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dengue prevention.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 316 randomly selected adults. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and assess KAP levels. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests and logistic regressions to identify influencing factors.

While the majority of participants (94.3%) were aware of the existence of dengue, specific knowledge regarding its transmission, symptoms, and prevention was insufficient: only 7.6% achieved a satisfactory level of knowledge, and barely 2.8% regularly adopted protective practices. Participation in sanitation campaigns remained low. Factors positively associated with high scores included age, educational level, household size, and community engagement.

The study concludes that there is a need to intensify targeted health education initiatives, train community health workers, and provide appropriate resources. A multisectoral and participatory strategy is essential to strengthen community resilience.