Health Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices of Dengue Fever among Adults with Children 0–16 Years Old: A Multi-regional based Cross-Sectional Study
Akhaine J. Precious, B. Adejumo Florence, Onome O. Iyere, B. Barika, Abdulmalik, C. Awe Tolulope, I. Edeh Daniel, Edigberhi Emmanuel, Ogunmola Botiwuoluwa, I. Aliu Khalid, A. Abiodun, Matthew, D. Chiegboka, Chrysanthus, C. M. Uzobuenyi
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health · pp. 73–87 · Published 11 Jul 2026
10.9734/ijtdh/2026/v47i71763Abstract
Background: Dengue fever is an important mosquito-borne viral infection with increasing public health relevance in Nigeria. Caregivers play a central role in household-level prevention and early care-seeking for children. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding dengue fever among adults with children aged 0–16 years. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 142 adult caregivers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of dengue fever and attitudes towards prevention. Responses were summarised using descriptive statistics, and associations between selected socio-demographic variables and knowledge or attitude categories were examined using chi-square tests. Results: Most respondents were female (76.1%), aged 30–35 years (62.0%), married (69.0%) and had tertiary education (67.6%). Overall knowledge of dengue fever was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 4.92 out of 8, equivalent to 61.5%. Awareness of environmental sanitation and household preventive measures was high, with 94.4% and 90.1% of respondents, respectively, recognising their importance. However, knowledge of dengue symptoms (46.5%) and complications (42.3%) was comparatively limited. Respondents showed generally positive attitudes towards dengue prevention, with a mean attitude score of 4.66 out of 6, equivalent to 77.7%. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of dengue fever (p = 0.002), while gender and age were not. No significant association was observed between attitude and gender, age or educational level. Conclusion: The findings indicate moderate dengue-related knowledge and positive preventive attitudes among caregivers. Health education should emphasise symptom recognition, complications, transmission and practical household prevention, particularly among caregivers with lower educational attainment.
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