Philippine E-Journals

Assessing the Knowledge, Awareness, and Preventive Measures towards Dengue in a selected Barangay in Laguna

Ella Andrea Cañada | Althea Bianca Caysip | Kimberly Collantes | Charles John Pableo | Kyla Tutaan | Maricris Agawin | Leah F Quinto

 

Abstract:

Dengue is a life-threatening, mosquito-borne disease that can be obtained through a bite of an infected Aedes species which can lead to fatality if severed. It happens to more than 100 countries but mostly to areas that are tropical and subtropical like Philippines. WHO acclaims the best prevention for the endemicity of dengue is the provision of knowledge, awareness, and preventive measures. However, dengue incidence is still escalating even with continuous efforts of inhibiting the manifestation of the said viral infection. The study focused on the aims of assessing the knowledge, identifying the level of awareness and preventive measures used of residents in a selected barangay in Laguna about dengue, and knowing the association of knowledge, awareness, and preventive measures with one another. The researchers used the descriptive approach research design as it is for describing characteristics of a phenomenon as it is occurring. The sample of 30 respondents are selected by using simple random sampling to resolve the objectives of the study. The data collection tool used is a structured questionnaire that encompassed the knowledge test and Likert scales. Significant relationships between the factors are calculated by using Spearman rho test while descriptive statistics in the presentation of frequency and percentage as well as the mean score are used for the results of knowledge test. The results obtained has an interpretation from the knowledge test of averagely “Knowledgeable” with a composite mean of 6.5, the level of awareness attained is averagely “Aware” with a composite mean of 3.13, and the most preventive measure used by respondents are the use of mosquito nets, followed with use of mosquito repellant and closing of container lid. In addition, the factors had a significant relationship with one another. In conclusion, most of the study population had an average knowledge about dengue while some does not possess that kind of knowledge and awareness of the said disease. Therefore, these groups need special attention in future health education programs since the study ensued that having knowledge and awareness results to better preventive practice, thus results to inhibition of the high risk for Dengue.