Tap chi Y Hoc Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh

Objective: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an important
infectious disease in developing countries and can develops into a potentially lethal complication.
This study is designed to investigate knowledge, attitude and practice of
primary Healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding dengue diseases and WHO
criteria on warning signs of Dengue to provide early recognition and improve
the outcome of dengue control.

Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study of 109 HCPs
at HCMC Children’s Hospital 2 from 06/2017 to 09/2017.

Results:
Surveyed 109 healthcare workers, doctors 58.7%, nurses 41.3%. 84.4% trained
dengue, 64% regularly dialed with dengue patients. 95% had good knowledge of
vector and transmission, 91.7% knew their responsibility for counseling. The
prevalence of disease and prevention counseling was 74.3% and 78%, and counseling
for the same family member was 66%. The most commonly used warning signs were
increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, nose / throat bleeding, hem concentration,
severe liver pain, hct> 20% of normal values, platelets <100000/mm3,
lethargy or easily irritated (53.5%, 54.9%, 89%, 93.6%, 79.2%, 70.6%, 58.7%,
56.8%, respectably). 52.3% said they needed ≥ 2 warning signs to classify
“Dengue with warning signs”. 55.1% agreed that the 2009 WHO
classification should be clearer or should be adjusted.

Conclusion: There
is a gap between knowledge, attitude and practice of preventive counseling, therefore
the role of local preventive medicine is very important. The definition of
warning signs between healthcare workers is not consistent, proving unclear in
the definition, warning signs should be studied further to facilitate clinical
management, then not to miss severe cases and avoid unnecessary
hospitalization.

Key words: Dengue, KAP survey, medical practitioners.