KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA IN SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A CITY OF NORTH INDIA
Background Objectives: Many vector borne diseases are prevalent in India and have become serious public health problem. Recurring outbreaks of dengue fever have been reported in various states and union territories of India including Uttar Pradesh. Currently in 2016, big upsurge of chikungunya is being observed in Delhi and nearby cities with reporting of cases from other States/UT's too. Meerut comprises of about 2% of the population of Uttar Pradesh. Despite this there was no documented evidence of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of school children regarding dengue and chikungunya. Therefore current study was planned on secondary and senior secondary school children of 9 to 12 standard who are in adolescent age group. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 738 school children in four schools of Meerut in the month of September 2016. A predesigned, pre tested, semi structured, self administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Results Conclusion: The fact that dengue and chikungunya are caused by mosquito bite was known to 96% and 71% children respectively. 43% children knew female mosquito bites and spread diseases. Only 21% knew that they are caused by Aedes mosquito. 47% knew that it breeds in clean stagnant water and 49% knew that it bites during day. Only 50 60% children took personal protective measures against mosquito bites and check for breeding of mosquitoes. 95% children feels that prevention of these diseases should be taught in schools. Findings of the study can help making strategies for children to enhance knowledge on these diseases.