Health Beliefs and Practices Related to Dengue Fever: A Focus Group Study

Background: this qualitative study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning of dengue fever (df) amongst people living in a dengue endemic region,dengue prevention and treatment-seeking behaviours. the health belief model was used as a framework to explore and understand dengue prevention behaviours. methods: a total of 14 focus group discussions were conducted with 84 malaysian citizens of different socio-demographic backgrounds between 16th december,2011 and 12th may,2012. results: the study revealed that awareness about df and prevention measures were high. the pathophysiology of dengue especially dengue haemorrhagic fever (dhf) and dengue shock syndrome (dss) were rarely known; as a result,it was seen as deadly by some but was also perceived as easily curable by others without a basis of understanding. young adults and elderly participants had a low perception of susceptibility to df. in general,the low perceived susceptibility emerged as two themes,namely a perceived natural ability to withstand infection and a low risk of being in contact with the dengue virus vector,aedes spp. mosquitoes. the barriers to sustained self-prevention against dengue prevention that emerged in focus groups were: i) lack of self-efficacy,ii) lack of perceived benefit,iii) low perceived susceptibility,and iv) unsure perceived susceptibility. low perceived benefit of continued dengue prevention practices was a result of lack of concerted action against dengue in their neighborhood. traditional medical practices and home remedies were widely perceived and experienced as efficacious in treating df. conclusion: behavioural change towards attaining sustainability in dengue preventive practices may be enhanced by fostering comprehensive knowledge of dengue and a change in health beliefs. wide use of unconventional therapy for df warrants the need to enlighten the public to limit their reliance on unproven alternative treatments. © 2013 wong,abubakar.