KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF GENERAL POPULATION REGARDING VECTOR BORNE DISEASES

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of general population of Peshawar about Vector Borne
Diseases (VBD).
Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Peshawar during January to June 2015. It includes
300 people of ages 11 and above, from the five urban areas of Peshawar. The study was conducted by selecting respondents
randomly, including both male and females irrespective of socio-economic status. Structured questionnaire
was used to collect data.
Results: Study results showed that 88% of the people from urban areas of Peshawar had knowledge about vector
borne diseases. Regarding the prevention of different diseases; the following practices were observed in the general
population i.e. 50% were using insect repellants, 19% used mosquito bed nets, 24.67% insecticidal sprays, and 39.34%
other methods. Attitude was 66% while the practice of different preventive measures was only 54%.
Conclusion: It was concluded that knowledge was adequate and there was lacking in practice and attitude of respondents
regarding vector borne diseases and thus positive attitude change along with measures were needed.