Assessment of Mass Level Public Awareness Campaigns Regarding Dengue among Parents Visiting Tertiary Care Children Hospital Karachi, Pakistan

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 retro-orbital 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.