Abstract

Objective: To assess the perceptions and sociodemographic determinants of dengue fever and its diagnosis and treatment in urban and the rural settings of a town in Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional, community-based study involved a sample of 475 respondents, selected using a household cluster sampling technique. Study participants were adults aged 18 and above who were permanent residents of Khiali Shah Pur Town and willing to participate.
Results: Knowledge about dengue diagnosis and treatment (KADDT) was significantly higher among the urban population compared to the rural population (33% vs. 14.7%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that residing in a metropolitan area, with higher literacy levels, and being employed were positively associated with higher KADDT scores, whereas being male was associated with lower scores. Age, family income, and socioeconomic status (SES) did not show a significant association with KADDT scores. The mean scores of perceptions of dengue fever, including its transmissibility, symptoms, and preventive measures (PADFTSPM), were influenced by place of residence (urban vs. rural).
Conclusion: Knowledge and perception of dengue fever and its management were notably lower in the rural population compared to their urban counterparts. Significant sociodemographic predictors of knowledge and perception included residential status, literacy level, and employment status.

Key words: Vector-borne illness, community perceptions, dengue fever, low-middle income country.