Knowledge Aptitude and Perspective Study Regarding Awareness of Dengue Fever among 4th Year Students of Nishtar Medical College, Multan-Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a viral disease that has caused significant morbidity and mortality in various regions of the world, especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. There is a lack of information on knowledge, attitudes and practices of the people regarding dengue infection.

Objective of study: The objective of the study was to ascertain the knowledge, attitude and practices of 4^th year medical students at Nishtar Medical College in relation to awareness of Dengue fever.

Methodology: This was an observational, cross-sectional study in which data was collected by a close ended questionnaire distributed among the students of 4^th year medical students.

Findings: Data was collected from 146 responses. All respondents (100%) claimed to know about the dengue fever but only 67 (47.95%) of the respondents knew about the causative agent of the disease and only 57 (39%) of the respondents were well aware of the treatment strategies against the infection. A total of 106 (73.28%) of respondents claimed to know the preventive measures. 139 (95%) knew the preventive measures through their well acquaintance with electronic and print media. The study was carried out at Nishtar Medical College, which is one of the biggest Hospital of Asia.

Conclusion: The proportion of medical students having adequate knowledge about Dengue infection is not very encouraging.

Keywords: Dengue fever, Dengue infection, awareness, knowledge.