Level of knowledge about dengue in the inhabitants of Barrio Loma Pyta of the City of Asuncion

Abstract

In recent decades the incidence of dengue in the world has increased. According to estimates, 390 million dengue infections occur annually. In Paraguay, it is considered an endemic disease since 2009. The only method for its prevention is to fight against vector transmission, this is where education plays a fundamental role. The objective was to determine the knowledge about dengue of the inhabitants of the community of Loma Pytá in the city of Asunción. The focus of the study was quantitative, non-experimental design of descriptive type, the technique used was the interview and the instrument a sur- vey previously prepared according to the study variables. The population was composed of families living in three contiguous blocks of Barrio Loma Pytá, sampling was not pro- babilistic for convenience, the sample consisted of 41 inhabitants who met the inclusion criteria and were surveyed in their homes. As a result, 58.5% (24) of the interviewees were female, 39% (16) were between 18 and 23 years old. With respect to knowledge, 56% (23) do not know about the breeding place and 58% (24) do not know the symp- toms. Also, 60% (25) responded that they know about cases of dengue in the last three months. The need to reinforce the knowledge of the inhabitants of Barrio Loma Pytá on identification of breeding sites and symptoms of dengue is concluded. It is suggested that these issues be central axes of awareness and education campaigns.