Knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue in heads of families in Yurimaguas, Alto Amazonas, Peru

Toledo M.C.R.; Irigoín N.C.; Rafael M.H.P.; Cayampi Q.C.; Rosas J.C. · Boletin de Malariologia y Salud Ambiental (2023) · DOI: 10.52808/bmsa.8e7.63ee.005

Resumen

Dengue, a dynamic viral infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti, can evolve into severe clinical pictures. No specific treatment. Since 2019, the WHO alerts about the increase in cases in Latin America. In Peru, MINSA issued an epidemiological alert due to an increase in cases, specifically in five departments, Yurimaguas being one of the jurisdictions with the highest incidence. For its control, it is essential to recognize the determinants of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). The purpose of this article is to describe CAP in family heads in Yurimaguas. Epidemiological, analytical, cross-sectional study. 269 family managers were interviewed. More than a third of the respondents had basic knowledge. Between 60-75% adequate attitudes recognizing dengue as a community health problem, the importance of going to the doctor, eliminating breeding sites and controlling the density of mosquitoes, but with less willingness to join community activities (~45-55 %). In the practices, the covering and washing of the water storage containers were the most recognized measures. The three components (CAP) indicated a strong and positive correlation, statistically significant (rho: 0.766, p < 0.001). In conclusion, there are basic knowledge about dengue, adequate attitudes about dengue, and also certain weaknesses in preventive practices. For a positive response to this problem, an effective multisectoral intervention is required, with a holistic and comprehensive approach, active participation of the communities together with governing authorities, to prevent the spread of this disease, based on health education campaigns and citizen awareness.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Nacional de Cañete; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Chota; Universidad Autónoma de Ica