Community knowledge and attitude towards Japanese encephalitis in Darrang, India: a cross-sectional study

Ahmad, Akram and Khan, Muhammad Umair and Malik, Sadiqa and Jamshed, Shazia Qasim and Gogoi, Lakhya Jyoti and Kalita, Manabendra and Sikdar, Atul Prasad (2017) Community knowledge and attitude towards Japanese encephalitis in Darrang, India: a cross-sectional study. Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 10 (2 (March-April)). pp. 377-383. ISSN 1755-6783 E-ISSN 0974-6005

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (604kB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF (scopus) - Supplemental Material Download (496kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Assam was exceptional in a global context in the year 2014. Darrang district is amongst the most affected districts that is hit by deadly JE virus in Assam. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the residents regarding JE at Darrang. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed for the period of 3 months from November 2014 to January 2015 in Darrang. Multistage stage sampling was done to select participants from the district. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 396 participants responded to the questionnaire, thus giving the response rate of 51.5%. One-fourth of the participants exhibited a good knowledge of JE (24.7%). The majority of the participants incorrectly answered the questions relating to management (83.3%) and prevention of JE (66.7%). Further, tertiary education and JE patient in family/relative were significantly associated with the knowledge of the participants (P < 0.001). A large proportion of the respondents exhibited positive attitudes towards JE (96.5%). Television was the major source of information of the participants regarding JE (29.2%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a lack of knowledge regarding JE among the residents of Darrang. However, their attitudes towards JE were generally positive. Further studies on this topic need to be conducted throughout the state of Assam to identify and subsequently bridge the knowledge gaps among its residents

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6803/62752
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Attitudes; India; Japanese encephalitis; Knowledge; Public
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy
Depositing User:	Dr Shazia Jamshed
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2018 11:47
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2018 08:27
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/62752

Actions (login required)

View Item