Knowledge and practices related to dengue and its vector: a community-based study from Southeast Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Apr;49(2):222-6. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0240-2015.

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the knowledge of users of primary healthcare services living in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, about dengue and its vector.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 605 people was conducted following a major dengue outbreak in 2013.

Results: Participants with higher levels of education were more likely to identify correctly the vector of the disease.

Conclusions: The results emphasize the relevance of health education programs, the continuous promotion of educational campaigns in the media, the role of the television as a source of information, and the importance of motivating the population to control the vector.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aedes*
  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dengue / epidemiology
  • Dengue / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Population