Dengue Fever Knowledge and Attitudes in Hetauda, Bagmati Province, Nepal: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The dengue virus is a major health concern in Nepal, prevalent year-round across all 77 districts, with limited research on the general population’s knowledge and attitudes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the knowledge and attitudes toward dengue fever (DF) among community residents.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, Bagmati Province, Nepal in 2023. The sample consisted of 434 household heads chosen through systematic random sampling. Data collection took place through face-to-face interviews using a structured interview guideline from March 1 to June 25. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were employed for categorical variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 25, with a significance level set at P 0.05.  Results: The mean age of respondents was 37.50±7.40 years. A significant proportion (77.2%) exhibited low knowledge (mean score 14.7±6.45, range: 0-24), while 93.8% displayed positive attitudes (mean score 20.5±3.71, range: 12-24). The predominant sources of information on DF were friends or neighbors (91.2%) and television (85.3%). A moderate positive correlation (r=0.429) was found between knowledge and attitude scores. Education, occupation, types of media as sources of information, and family history of dengue were identified as significant factors associated with knowledge and attitude.  Conclusion: Although the majority exhibited a positive attitude, the study underscores significant gaps in knowledge, emphasizing the critical necessity for targeted public health interventions. These findings provide essential insights for crafting effective campaigns to mitigate dengue risks in Nepal.