A Study on Dengue Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and their Impact on Aedes aegypti Population in Lahore, Pakistan.

A study was conducted to investigate the awareness, attitude and practices of common people about dengue vector and its impact on control of Aedes (A.) aegypti population in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected during 2010 to 2011 by a questionnaire method. In total, 1000 open ended questionnaires were distributed among different houses, teachers, employees, workers and students. Out of the total, 940 filled questionnaires were received back from the respondents, of which, 400 were from different houses and 540 from students (graduates, post graduates, intermediate, and secondary schools), teachers, employees and workers of different institutions. The results showed significantly different (P<0.05) demographic characteristics of Dengue Fever/ Dengue Hemorrhage fever (DF/DHF) patients for age and sex. Significant (x² =366.29) differences between alive DF/DHF susceptible patients were found, whereas the differences between dead DF/DHF susceptible patients were non-significant (P=0.13). Area-wise distribution revealed maximum prevalence of DF/DHF at Allama Iqbal Town, whereas minimum prevalence (1.8%) was observed at Aziz Bhati and Wahga Towns of Lahore. Similarly, overall patients of DF/DHF were greater in 2011 compared with those in 2010. Regarding gender, female patients were greater than male patients and children. The patients between 16 to 25 years of age had highest percentage of DF/DHF. The preventive practices from dengue mosquito adopted by the respondents were sprays (66.7%), coils (51.38%) and mosqoils (36.81%). In conclusion, this study suggests conducting these types of studies for generation of data bases from public that may serve as a baseline for controlling A. aegypti population and formulating policies against epidemics by the competent authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]