Level of knowledge, attitude, and practices in the prevention of dengue hemorrhagic fever among household heads in a selected Barangay in Iloilo

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the significant relationship between respondents’ level of knowledge, attitude, practices, and the prevention of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. The study population is 1,501. Using Simple Random sampling design, the sample size was computed and came up with 143 respondents. The study was conducted in November 2024. Data were collected face-to-face through a survey using a questionnaire that was given by the researcher based on the objectives of the study. The findings reveal that household heads had moderate level of knowledge about Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a portion of them had positive attitudes by contributing to the community in lowering Dengue cases and had been taking preventive measures. It also revealed a strong, direct relationship in the correlation between knowledge and practices, while attitude and practices had a strong association. The respondents with a higher level of knowledge about Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever demonstrated better preventive practices in their household. On the other hand, the respondents with positive attitudes towards Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever exhibited better practices to prevent a Dengue outbreak in their community. The majority of the respondents had a neutral to positive attitude about the disease, with only a small percentage of the respondents exhibited a negative attitude. The implementation of preventive measures, particularly regarding the installation of protective barriers and community initiatives was inconsistent and the level of knowledge about dengue hemorrhagic fever among the residents appeared to influence their households' preventive practices. Furthermore, the respondents' attitudes towards the disease played a significant role in their adoption of preventive measures to protect themselves from dengue hemorrhagic fever.