Awareness of Dengue Fever in Non-Medical University Students in Punjab

Abstract

Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge of dengue virus infection in the non-medical university students of Punjab.

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi and Lahore region from May to Jun 2020.

Methodology: The survey was based on a structured questionnaire, covering general information about dengue fever, its transmission, common symptoms, treatment, prevention and vector control.

Results: A total of 208 students from the engineering and IT graduate programs participated in our study. The mean age of the participants was 21.6 ± 1.8 years. 122 (58.7%) participants knew that dengue fever was a viral disease. 57 (27.4%) had the correct knowledge about breeding places of Aedes egypti. Most of the students knew that headache, fever and body aches were the common symptoms of dengue fever. About 151 (72%) thought every patient with dengue fever was a serious patient and should be taken to the hospital. Out of 200 (96%) students were aware that anti-mosquito measures could prevent the disease. There was no statistically significant difference in the responses of male and female students.

Conclusion: Considering the education level of our participants, we noted some gaps in the important knowledge, such as the timing of the mosquito bite, avoidance of Aspirin and some misconceptions regarding the management of infection. We need to bridge these gaps by making health education campaigns more effective.