Knowledge and attitude of the public towards dengue control in urban and rural areas of Punjab.

The purpose of this study is to appraise the public opinion about dengue and its vectors, and to formulate an effective strategy that supports public health policy makers in dealing with the prevention and control of vectors of dengue in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which a pre- structured and pre-tested questionnaire was adopted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue and its vectors at Lahore and Rawalpindi. Total of 424 people (220 urban and 204 rural) were interviewed. Of the 424 people were interviewed, 98.2% urban and 90.2% rural regarded mosquitoes responsible for malaria; 85.5% urban, 76.5% rural, for dengue; 5.5% urban and 11.8% rural for cholera. 81.1% people were aware of dengue. TV/Radio was the most common source of information. The respondents were well informed and aware of the habitat of the mosquitoes. However, significant association was found among knowledge, attitude and practices that resulted in adoption of protection: mosquito mats > chemicals > bed nets.