Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of mass level public awareness campaigns regarding dengue fever among parents visiting tertiary care children hospital Karachi.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among parents visiting
medical outpatient department at National Institute of Child Health, Karachi from 1st January to
31st December, 2014. Total of 400 respondents were interviewed using simple random sampling
technique. Pre coded semi structured proforma consisting of dengue specific symptoms and
safety measures were used. After interview, every individual was educated regarding preventive
and safety measures against dengue fever.
RESULTS: Out of 400 respondent, 68% (n=272) were males and 32% (n=128) females. Almost
98% (n=392) knew that dengue fever is caused by mosquito bite. More than two-third of study
participants were not aware about dengue specific symptoms. Awareness regarding retroorbital pain was reported by 1% only. Use of anti mosquito mats, coil and other repellants was
reported by 88%. Use of mosquito nets was only 3.5%. Electronic media was the major (89%)
source of information regarding preventive measures of dengue in our study population.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that awareness of target population about dengue specific symptoms and effective preventive measures remains very low. It suggests to revisit the existing
awareness related interventional strategies at public level with contextual relevance to enhance
overall impact from preventive aspect.
Taj Muhammad Laghari, Ashfaque Ahmed Memon, Muhammad Ayaz Mustufa, Ahmad Waqas Memon, Maesh Kumar Aishwani, Muhammad Suleman Otho. (2015) Assessment of Mass Level Public Awareness Campaigns Regarding Dengue among Parents Visiting Tertiary Care Children Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, Journal of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Volume-14, Issue-3.
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