Dengue Fever Perception among Undergraduate Students at a Public Sector University, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: Dengue is the most widely distributed mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. It continues to spread rapidly because of climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth. In the world population ranking Pakistan stands at number 6th position, having subtropical position. Due to growing cases, this study is undertaken to evaluate the perception of Dengue fever among the university students. Engagement of students and community to improve participation and mobilization for vector control is a key element to regulate the control interventions and strategies. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at National University of Medical Sciences Rawalpindi during July-Nov 2022 including 346 participants. Online survey was conducted using close ended structured questionnaire by using nonprobability convenience method. The age, gender, living status, accommodation status, and residential area of the students together with perceptions of undergraduate students regarding Dengue’s knowledge and prevention was recorded. Based on students’ correct answers, overall knowledge level assessment and prevention awareness level was calculated. Association of categorical variables were analysed using chi-square test. Statistical data analysis was carried out using commercially available software. Results: Out of 346 students, 58.6% had knowledge of dengue and 84.9% were aware about its prevention. The multi-variate analyses revealed that positive relationship exists between Dengue’s knowledge with age, gender, and residential area and between Dengue’s prevention awareness with age and gender (p<0.05). Conclusion: The overall knowledge and awareness of students regarding Dengue fever was found to be adequate, being higher among male than female students. The collaborative effort by all stakeholders can contribute towards enhancing the knowledge and awareness among students which will further reduce the risk of disease.