# Gaps in dengue fever knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare professionals in southeastern Iran

## TL;DR

This study found that healthcare professionals in southeastern Iran have moderate knowledge about dengue fever but strong preventive practices, highlighting the need for better training and updated guidelines.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals in dengue management and emphasizes the need for tailored training programs.

## Key findings

- Only 30.9% of healthcare professionals demonstrated high knowledge about dengue fever.
- Central-level health professionals had significantly higher odds of good knowledge compared to peripheral staff.
- Inappropriate prescribing practices, such as corticosteroid and aspirin use, were observed.

## Abstract

Dengue fever (DF) is one of the most important arboviral diseases and causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Healthcare professionals (HCps) play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and control of DF. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of HCPs regarding DF management in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran.

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to August 2024 in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) from different occupational categories participated. Data were collected using a Persian online questionnaire (www.porsline.ir) covering demographic characteristics and KAP related to DF. The survey link was distributed via social media, email, and official channels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05.

A total of 307 HCPs participated, with most being female (73.9%) and aged 30–49 years (66.1%). Overall, 30.9% of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge, with the highest proportion observed among central-level health professionals (41.4%). Additionally, 66.1% and 92.2% of participants scored favorable attitude and practices toward DF, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that central-level HCPs had significantly higher odds of having good knowledge compared to peripheral staff (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.06–4.25, P = 0.03).

This study revealed moderate knowledge but generally positive attitudes and strong preventive practices among HCPs in Kerman Province. Significant gaps were identified in transmission and vector control as well as inappropriate prescribing knowledge, underscoring the need for continuous medical education and dissemination of updated treatment guidelines. While central-level staff demonstrated higher knowledge, peripheral-level staff and specialists showed notable deficiencies, highlighting the importance of tailored training initiatives. Strengthening diagnostic confidence, community engagement skills, and evidence-based clinical management will be essential to enhance preparedness and ensure effective dengue prevention and control in this high‑risk region.

Dengue fever (DF) is a major public health threat transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly affecting tropical and subtropical regions. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Kerman Province, southeastern Iran, regarding DF management. Conducted from April to August 2024, the research involved 307 HCPs and revealed critical gaps in their understanding of DF symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies. While only 30.9% of participants demonstrated high knowledge, attitudes were generally positive and preventive practices were strong (>90%). However, inappropriate prescribing practices, such as corticosteroid and aspirin use, highlight the need for continuous medical education. General practitioners and central-level HCPs showed better attitudes than specialists and peripheral staff, reflecting differences in roles and responsibilities. These findings underscore the urgent need for structured and targeted training programs to strengthen knowledge, ensure evidence-based clinical management, and enhance community engagement. By addressing these gaps, healthcare systems can improve preparedness and response capacity for potential DF outbreaks in vulnerable regions.