PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES, AND RESPONSES TO DENGUE EARLY WARNING AMONG URBAN COMMUNITY IN KUALA LUMPUR

Dengue early warning system, based on many different factors including climatic factors, is likely to be a useful tool for predicting dengue cases. This study aims to assess the perceptions, attitudes, and responses to dengue early warning among a sample of residents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as well as the factors associated with their willingness in participating dengue prevention public activity. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Titiwangsa District, Kuala Lumpur. A structured questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interview. About 75% of the respondents perceived dengue early warning as a useful tool for the community to take preventive measures. However, more than half did not know elevated temperature increases dengue cases. More than 80% wanted to know more how climate can be used to predict dengue outbreak. Willingness of participating in dengue control public activity was associated with age (p<0.001), educational level (p=0.005), perception (p<0.001), and attitude (p<0.001). Perception towards dengue early warning was positive among the urban residents. Majority of the participants reported good attitude with regard to dengue early warning while a minority demonstrated a poor response. Educational level, perception, and attitude are significantly associated with willingness to engage in dengue prevention public activity.