Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever in a Cohort of Nursing Students

Background: Good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on dengue fever will result a significant effect on prevention and control. Conversely, poor KAP help spread of dengue vectors and virus resulting in dengue epidemics.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among a cohort of nursing students in faculty of medicine and health sciences, Hodiedah University, Hodiedah, Yemen.

Methods: Data was collected from 80 students using questionnaire method consists of a set of questions during 2016–2017educational year. KAP were assessed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory using a scoring system. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®). Chi-square test was used for testing associations.

Results: According to KAP scores, 12.5%, 97.5% and 25% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices respectively. While 87.5%, 2.5% and 75% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue fever. There is significant association between knowledge and practices (p= 0.001). However, there is no significant association between knowledge and attitudes (p= 0.588) about dengue fever.

Conclusion: Present study concluded that 87.5 % and 75% of participants nursing students have unsatisfactory knowledge and practices regarding dengue infection. Therefore, it is importance to enhance their knowledge and practices before graduation and employing them for health care services in the community.