Dengue outbreak in relation to Aedes breeding ground (Sand Trap) and the knowledge and practice of The Residents in Putrajaya / Siti Nor aziah Azizan

A cross sectional study has been carried out to study the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in sand traps and the knowledge and practice of residents in Putrajaya. The sampling population was sand traps with stagnant water. Sampling technique was systematic sampling whereby every 3rd house was inspected to detect the presence and absence of Aedes larvae breeding in the sand trap. The sample size was 70 houses and 85 respondents. Knowledge and practice of the residents regarding dengue were measured by means of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square testing were used to analyze the data. The result showed that the area was in Priority I as the Aedes Index was 8.57% and Breteau Index was 10. There was no significant correlation between high amount of rainfall and dengue incidence in Putrajaya (p>0.05). It was found that majority of the respondents have moderate level of knowledge regarding dengue fever (knowledge score of 40% to 60% ). There was no significant association observed between gender and level of knowledge on dengue fever (p>0.05). There was a significant association between female and cleaning of water receptacles everyday (p<0.01) and checking for Aedes mosquito breeding places everyday (p<0.01). Significant association was also observed between male and checking for Aedes mosquito breeding places occasionally (p<0.01). There was a significant association between moderate and low knowledge (knowledge score of <70%) and the practice of covering of water receptacles at homes (p<0.05). Significant associations were also found between respondents who have no history of dengue fever and frequency of cleaning of water receptacles as well as frequency of checking for Aedes mosquitoes breeding places at home done 1-3 times per week (p<0.05) and 1-3 times per month (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the overall level of knowledge was good however, little evidence was found that the knowledge was put into practice. However, with the presence of dengue vector and the previous episodes of dengue infection among the local residents it is possible that another outbreak can occur in the future.