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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate dengue-related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Undergraduate Students and House Officers at Gajju Khan Medical College, Swabi ( MBBS ) with emphasis on pathogen identification, and to explore demographic associations using recoded binary indicators and a composite knowledge score.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: Gajju Khan Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; during the pre-monsoon academic term of 2025.
Patients and Methods: A structured, previously validated questionnaire was administered to 184 MBBS students (1st year through final year) and house officers. Data from 184 respondents with complete core information (84.0%) were analyzed. Knowledge domains included pathogen, transmission, vector morphology, biting period, breeding sites, preventability, and vaccine availability. Five key items (pathogen, transmission, vector morphology, day-biting awareness, breeding site recognition) were recoded into a composite score (0–5). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable regression (adjusted for academic stage, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and prior infection) were performed. Internal consistency was assessed using the KR-20 coefficient.
Results: Overall awareness was high (98.9%), yet only 16.3% correctly identified the viral pathogen. Knowledge regarding transmission (91.8%), vector morphology (83.7%), and day-biting awareness (76.1%) was strong. Preventability (96.2%) and public awareness value (98.9%) showed ceiling effects. No significant demographic differences were detected (all p > 0.05). (Composite mean ± SD, KR-20 coefficient, and regression outputs to be reported after final analysis.)
Conclusion: Although general awareness of dengue was excellent, a significant conceptual gap regarding the etiological agent persists. Reinforcement of pathogen-related concepts through curricular and assessment strategies is recommended.