# Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Tougan population towards dengue in Burkina Faso in 2024

## TL;DR

This study examines how well people in Tougan, Burkina Faso, understand and respond to dengue, finding that internally displaced populations have lower knowledge.

## Contribution

The study identifies factors influencing dengue knowledge in a semi-urban setting, focusing on internally displaced populations.

## Key findings

- Internally displaced populations had significantly lower dengue knowledge compared to residents.
- Participants with stagnant water at home had better dengue knowledge.
- Good practices towards dengue were associated with higher knowledge scores.

## Abstract

Recent dengue outbreaks in Burkina Faso have caused substantial morbidity and mortality among semi-urban and urban populations.

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the population of Tougan, a semi-urban city, towards dengue.

Between April 2024 and July 2024, a cross-sectional study was performed among residents and internally displaced populations (IDPs) in Tougan.

Participants aged 18 years and older, recruited through an adapted three-stage random sampling were eligible. Sociodemographic data as well as information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) were collected using a questionnaire. Factors associated with good knowledge of dengue (i.e. knowledge score ≥ 11) were identified using logistic regression models.

A total of 419 participants, including 130 (31.1%) IDPs, were enrolled in the study. The majority were male (53.9%), with a mean age of 38.5 years (standard deviation [s.d.] 12.9). The mean scores of KAP regarding dengue were 10.1 (s.d. 1.2), 13.5 (s.d. 1.9), and 9.4 (s.d. 2.2), respectively. Internally displaced populations had significantly lower levels of knowledge of dengue (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–0.81, p = 0.006) compared to residents. Moreover, participants with stagnant water at their home (aOR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.84–4.96, p < 0.001) and those with good practices towards dengue (aOR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.37–8.38, p = 0.008) had better knowledge.

Context-specific prevention messages on dengue and targeted interventions should be developed for IDPs and residents from semi-urban areas in Burkina Faso.

This study provides findings to enhance dengue awareness among vulnerable populations and preparedness for future epidemics.