Dengue awareness and its determinants among urban adults of Rohtak, Haryana

CONTEXT: Despite so many efforts to control dengue, the disease has a huge impact on the health, well-being, and economy of the population. The key success to control dengue depends not only on services provided by health authorities but also on the awareness of the community about preventing practices and their health-seeking behavior. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the awareness regarding dengue and its determinants among urban adult population of Rohtak. AIMS: To assess the awareness regarding dengue and its determinants among urban adult population of Rohtak. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured interview schedule from 210 participants which included information on the demographic profile of the subject, awareness about the symptoms, transmission, vector behavior in terms of biting time and breeding places, preventive measures and treatment of dengue fever, and responsibility of vector control. Cumulative awareness was calculated on the basis of correct answers provided. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Categorical data were presented as a percentage. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to evaluate differences between groups for categorical variables. RESULTS: The level of awareness was better among males (statistically significant). The difference in the level of awareness with respect to education, occupation, and the socioeconomic class was found highly statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness regarding dengue and its preventive measures were specifically low in women; mostly housewives, in participants of the lower socioeconomic group, and those who were illiterate.