Dengue Fever: How Aware Are We? A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge and Preventive Measures Against Dengue in Lahore
Abstract
Dengue fever is an emerging contagious disease which has proved to be potentially life-threatening. It is significant to uphold good personal and environmental hygiene in order to inhibit the outbreak of such a disease. Dengue fever (DF) is a severe febrile disease which is caused by dengue virus transferred by the female Aedes mosquito. This is one of the leading causes of death in Asian countries. The natural science of dengue infections is sturdily related with human activities and habits. The paper is designed across a study which was intended to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of people regarding dengue disease in Lahore, including the urban and sub-urban regions. A suitable sample of 200 residents (of Lahore city) is considered as contributors in study. Most of the respondents had good acquaintance with the causes, indications, mode of transmission of the virus as well as precautionary measures about dengue fever. Most prevalent precautionary method was the use of coils, liquid vaporizers. Health professional and television /radio proved to be the significant sources of information for the disease. Outcomes proposed that better awareness does not essentially lead to improved practice of dengue measures. Government educational campaigns should give more importance in providing variety of information sources, skills and support to improve dengue awareness among residents.