The performance of caretakers for prevention of dengue fever during care of patients at home

Abstract

A cross-sectional, descriptive study to assess the level of performance and its influencing factors among caretakers of Dengue patients in southern Thailand. Population of the study was caretakers of Dengue patients in the year 2003, 384 individuals. Data was collected by questionnaire, interview and through observation. Statistics used in the analysis of data was percentage, means, standard deviation, and chi-square test at p < 0.05. The study found that 51% of the caretakers reported their performances at high level. They prevent DF transmission by prevent mosquito biting of the patient (73%), and perform larva control activities more often than before (70%). They however admit that larvae can still be found in their homes (47%). Observation confirms this finding; 62% of houses observed had larvae. The study volunteers reported receiving most of the advice on prevention, control and treatment of DF from the public health volunteers (PHVs), and knowledge from television programs. Almost 80% of the volunteers reported that PHVs were instrumental in assisting them in the prevention of Dengue. All of the volunteers were found to have high level of DF prevention. Statistical test found relationship between age of caretakers and knowledge on DF; age and performance; income and performance; education and perception of susceptibility and severity; perception of susceptibility and severity and performance and knowledge and performance (p <0.05).