IMPACT OF COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF AN URBAN COMMUNITY IN LAHORE REGARDING DENGUE PREVENTION

Abstract

Dengue Fever is a recently emerging disease in our country that has now become endemic in many areas.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess how the community capacity building model affected the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the residents in the walled city of Lahore regarding Dengue fever.

Materials and Methods:

A knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) study was  conducted in the walled city of Lahore, involving interviews with residents of 100 houses. The sample size was determined using G-power analysis, and a pretested questionnaire was used for the interviews. The questionnaire was created to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) concerning Dengue fever. A community capacity building model was implemented to observe any changes in the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the residents within the specified community. A second KAP study was conducted after  one year period. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25).

Results

A significant difference was observed in the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavioral patterns related to the prevention of dengue disease within the community following the implementation of the Community capacity building model. Majority of respondents were significantly more aware (p-value<0.0001) about important features of dengue fever through community capacity building (CCB) model. Media impact was observed more. Dengue teams were also activated .Coordination activities between various strata of community ,local health centers, health department and medical institution resulted into  strengthening of level of knowledge, attitude and practicing styles of the community for prevention and control of dengue disease.

Practical Implications

Every year government of Pakistan spends a very huge amount on health focusing mainly on prevention of diseases but disease burden is increasing day by day because of one sided government policy. Government is unable to train public to protect themselves rather depending upon government actions thus resulting into uncontrollable epidemics. Community capacity building aims to motivate and empower individuals within a local community to address and resolve local issues independently. By fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment, capacity building enables community members to have more control over their own future development.

Conclusion

The most effective approach for preventing dengue is through community capacity building.