Knowledge of dengue among students in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA), Terengganu, Malaysia and the influence of knowledge of dengue on attitude and practice

Abstract

Reducing the vector population not only organization responsible, individual itself plays as important role in dengue prevention and control. Upon the understanding of the value of baseline data, a cross-sectional study was carried out in the dengue hotspot areas in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The study results show that 83.9% of the population had a high level of knowledge, 10.6% had a good attitude and 81.8% were performing good practice against dengue infection. After adjusting confounding variables, age and educational level of respondents, knowledge as well as attitude were found to be significant associated factors for having good practice against dengue. The study findings provide the need for further information to undertake a holistic approach, which is in need of community participation and cooperation.

Keywords: dengue fever; knowledge; attitudes; practice; student