Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever among Pediatric and Adult In-Patients in Metro Manila, Philippines.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of in-patients with dengue fever (DF) through hospital-based surveillance has not been done. This study aimed to assess and compare the KAP, identify its predictors, correlation, and protective factors among pediatric and adult patients with DF and community-based controls to structure proactive community-wide DF prevention and control programs. METHODS: This case-control study involved clinically or serologically confirmed patients (pediatrics n = 233; adults n = 17) with DF admitted in three public hospitals and community-based controls in Metro Manila, Philippines. A pretested structured KAP questionnaire was administered to participants to assess their KAP. RESULTS: Pediatric and adult patients had significantly lower mean scores in the practice (p < 0.001) domain compared with the pediatric and adult controls. Being in senior high school, having had days in hospital, and rash were predictors of KAP among pediatric patients. Knowledge and attitude of patients with DF did not correlate with their practices against DF. Use of mosquito-eating fish, screen windows, and dengue vaccine were protective factors against DF. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of behavioral change for knowledge and attitude to have significant effect to practices against DF. Thus, we recommend two comprehensive health programs, Communication for Behavioral Impact (COMBI) and Health Belief Model (HBM).