Knowledge, attitude and practices towards dengue among undergraduate students at a University in Sri Lanka

Background: The present study was undertaken to determine knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding dengue among undergraduate students at the University of Peradeniya, which is the largest university in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A total of 384 randomly selected students from 9 different faculties, including 191 females and 193 males were surveyed. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the KAP and the analysis scale for KAP sections ranged from ‘satisfactory’, ‘fair’ and ‘poor’.

Results: A higher percentage (40-60%) of undergraduate students from Dental, Medical, and Veterinary faculties had satisfactory knowledge status while <21% of the undergraduates from other faculties had obtained a satisfactory knowledge score indicating a significant difference (p < 0.05) between health related and non-health related faculties regarding knowledge on dengue. The attitude score also significantly differed among the faculties (p=0.001). Knowledge level on causation, signs and symptoms of dengue, complications, identifying the correct peak times in the year, identifying the vectors and the breeding sites was satisfactory among students from the health-related faculties. In general, attitude level was satisfactory with more than 75% of the study population giving correct answers for each of the question under that category. Practices regarding the disposal of solid waste and updated knowledge on solid waste management were also satisfactory.

Conclusion: Overall, 59.9% of the study participants reached fair to satisfactory knowledge scores and 60.9% of the study participants reached fair to satisfactory practice scores. High attitude levels indicate the willingness to participate and contribute to reduce the dengue burden. Minimizing the gaps in KAP of the undergraduates should be encouraged through targeted awareness programmes.