Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Dengue Fever among Patients Experiencing the 2017 Outbreak in Vietnam

• Main Authors: Huong Van Nguyen, Phung Quoc Tat Than, Tu Huu Nguyen, Giang Thu Vu, Chi Linh Hoang, Tung Thanh Tran, Nu Thi Truong, Son Hoang Nguyen, Huyen Phuc Do, Giang Hai Ha, Huong Lan Thi Nguyen, Anh Kim Dang, Cuong Duy Do, Tung Hoang Tran, Bach Xuan Tran, Carl A. Latkin, Cyrus S.H. Ho, Roger C.M. Ho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: dengue fever; knowledge; attitude; practice; associated factors; Vietnam
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/6/976

There is a gap in the literature on the understanding of the general Vietnamese population toward dengue fever (DF). This study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, practice (KAP) of dengue fever among Vietnamese participants and the potential associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 patients at the Bach Mai Hospital in Northern Vietnam. A Tobit regression model was utilized to investigate the associated factors. The average knowledge score was 4.6/19. Respondents perceived their risk of DF infection to be very low (39.5%) to low (20.7%) and had a neutral attitude about the necessity of hospitalization when being infected with DF (60.9%). A total of 17.6%, 9.8% and 6.6% of respondents reported frequently changing water, properly disposing of waste and covering water storage containers to eliminate larvae. Gender, education level, duration of illness and travel history were correlated with knowledge. Occupation, the presence of DF in the neighborhood, mosquito density at home and DF symptom severity were associated with attitudes. Occupation, mosquito density at home, type of patient, knowledge and attitudes were associated with practices. To enhance the KAP towards DF, further efforts should first be directed to improve knowledge through education, especially at the school level and people in less developed areas.