Effectiveness of a Structured Health Education Programme on Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue Fever among Adults Residing in a Selected Rural Community of Rajasthan: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an important mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted mainly by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue transmission is closely related to environmental conditions, water-storage practices, mosquito breeding sites, and community behaviors. WHO reports that dengue is now a major global public-health concern, with reported cases increasing substantially in recent years. Prevention depends substantially on vector control, avoidance of mosquito bites, environmental management, and community participation.

Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. A sample of 100 adults residing in a selected rural community of Rajasthan was selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a preventive practice scale. A structured health education programme covering dengue transmission, signs and symptoms, warning signs, mosquito breeding sites, environmental sanitation, personal protection, and community participation was administered after the pre-test. A post-test was conducted following the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Results: In the illustrative dataset, the mean knowledge score increased from 13.36 ± 3.58 in the pre-test to 20.42 ± 3.11 in the post-test. The mean preventive practice score increased from 37.82 ± 6.48 to 49.16 ± 5.72. The differences between pre-test and post-test scores were statistically significant at p < 0.001.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that a structured health education programme may be an effective approach for improving knowledge and preventive practices regarding dengue among adults in rural communities. Community-based health education should emphasize source reduction, environmental sanitation, protection from mosquito bites, and timely healthcare seeking.