Abstract:

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease. The trend of dengue incidence in Malaysia has continued to increase since 2001 until 2014. Despite the close monitoring and continuous efforts from the Ministry of Health and Municipals to conduct the prevention and control activities, the number of dengue cases continued to increase due to multiple uncontrolled factors.

Aim: Our objective is to assess the factors affecting dengue fever among the population in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor, Malaysia.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design based on simple random sampling, resident aged between 18 to 60 years old was randomly chosen. Data was collected using assisted self-administered questionnaire that covered 4 parts i.e. socio-demographic data, knowledge about dengue infection, attitudes towards dengue fever and practices of dengue prevention. Data was analyzed using PASW statistics student version 18.

Results: It was found that knowledge among the respondent was only moderate. The respondents’ attitude was neutral and the practice was good. The most common source of information on dengue was from the television (72.1%). There was significant association between knowledge and practice (p = 0.000) and also between attitude and practice (p = 0.000). Attitude was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.002) and education level (p = 0.031).

Conclusion: The study has highlighted that despite having satisfactory level of practice on dengue prevention, the knowledge and attitude can be further strengthened. Information, education and communication materials can be provided at areas that are more accessible. This would help to increase knowledge and mold positive attitude among the Muarian to eliminate dengue fever.

Keywords: Dengue Fever, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Malaysia

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