ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS REGARDING DENGUE AT SELECTED HOSPITAL, MADHESH PROVINCE, NEPAL

Abstract

Dengue, also known as break bone disease, is a mosquito-borne illness caused by one of four dengue virus types. It spreads through mosquito bites rather than person-to-person contact. Factors such as changing vector distribution, climate change, fragile health systems, political instability, population movements, and weak surveillance systems have increased the risk of dengue spread, making it a growing concern in Nepal. This study employed a quantitative descriptive design, selecting 108 healthcare workers from three hospitals in Madhesh Province through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. Findings showed that 52.70% of healthcare workers had adequate knowledge, two-thirds had positive attitudes, and 59.20% demonstrated good practices. Significant associations were found between marital status, years of experience, and attitude level, as well as between educational status and practice level. Correlations were also observed among knowledge, attitude, and practice. Although healthcare workers had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes, half exhibited poor practices regarding dengue. The government should provide targeted training and continuing education to improve the identification, diagnosis, and management of dengue.