Knowledge of Prevention and Warning Signs of Dengue Fever in Parents of Students, August 2020

Abstract

Objective.- identify the knowledge, prevention, and warning signs of dengue fever in a group of parents or guardians at the Republic of Costa Rica Government Basic Education Center.

Method.- Cross-sectional observational study in 181 parents or guardians of school children from the Republic of Costa Rica Government Basic Education Center. Sampling was non-probabilistic for convenience. The survey search for the knowledge on dengue prevention and warning signs.

Results.- A total of 173 participants were obtained who met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 35.4 years, (17-69 years). 87.1% female and 12.9% male. 0.5% of the participants are illiterate, it was found that 28.9% completed primary school, 43.9% secondary school, 26% have higher education; housewife was identified as the main occupation in 38% of the cases. We found that parents or guardians consider that their level of knowledge about dengue and prevention measures in 79% of the cases, and not adequate in 20%. 98% of the participants correctly identify the vector that transmits the disease and 60% correctly define the clinical picture. 42% identified bleeding as the main warning sign of the disease, while the other warning signs are not adequately identified. As the most effective prevention measure, the participants identified the eradication of the vector by means of fumigation in 53%. The main sources of information referred to by the population studied is through the mass media (television, radio, written press) in 71%.

Conclusions.- The study shows that the level of general knowledge of the disease and of alarm signs in parents and guardians is good, the clinical picture of dengue is identified in the febrile phase, but only a small group recognizes all the alarm signs. Regarding prevention measures, the participants consider that the greatest responsibility for controlling this infection lies with the health authorities.