An overview of dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among the general public in Sri Lanka: A review and meta-analysis of questionnaire-based surveys from 2000-2023

Abstract

The objective was to conduct a review and meta-analysis of questionnaire-based surveys of dengue knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices (KAP)s among the general public in Sri Lanka as no prior island-wide survey existed. The electronic database PubMed and other bibliography were searched for literature on dengue questionnaire-based KAP surveys in Sri Lanka from 2000-2023. Data pertaining to the three domains were extracted from sixteen eligible articles, pooled, and analyzed separately using random effect models. Meta-analyses of the three domains were performed using R version 3.6.3. The population surveyed (8955) was <0.045% of the total Sri Lankan population. The publication frequency increased over time and surveys were distributed in Colombo and suburbs 43.7% (7/16), Kandy 25% (4/16,) Gampaha 12.5% (2/16), and 6.3% (1/16) one each in Kurunegala, Matara, Batticaloa, and Jaffna. Knowledge on dengue transmission, vector breeding, and fever as a symptom was >80%, while on vector species, preferred feeding times, recurrence of dengue it was > 55% and on warning signs of severity it was 25%. Attitudes towards community participation in dengue prevention activities and knowledge of dengue risk factors (avoidance of aspirin and dark colored drinks) were poor, while practice of control measures (removal of water collecting receptacles, roof-gutter management) lacked regularity.