KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES RELATED TO DENGUE FEVER: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY PHARMACY STUDENTS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF VIETNAM

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a serious illness that can spread rapidly and become
epidemic. Buon Ma Thuot City in Vietnam is a highland region at risk of DF outbreaks.
Objective: This study was conducted to examine the DF prevention-related knowledge,
attitudes and practices of university students in Buon Ma Thuot University.
Methods: For this cross-sectional research, university students were interviewed face to face,
with the sessions guided by pre-assigned questionnaires.
Results: Of the 396 participants, 119 lived in rural areas, and 277 resided in urban regions. The
majority of the respondents had good attitudes towards DF prevention and implemented
favourable practices accordingly. Good knowledge was strongly correlated with effective
practice, but because the participants’ awareness and understanding of the disease were
limited, programs for improvement should be considered.
Conclusion: The results indicated the need to ensure well-founded awareness and practice
amongst Vietnamese students with respect to the prevention of dengue.