Authors : Almoeiz Y. Hammad
DOI : 10.4103/jihs.jihs_95_25
Volume : 14
Issue : 1
Year : 2026
Page No : 35-40
Abstract Introduction: Dengue fever is a significant public health challenge in Sudan, with recent geographical expansion to newly affected regions. Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) disparities between endemic and newly affected areas is critical for targeted interventions. Aims: To compare dengue-related KAP between long-standing endemic and newly affected regions in Sudan and identify the factors influencing preventive behaviors. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted (July–September 2025) among 783 participants from endemic (49.4%) and newly affected (50.6%) regions. Data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing demographics, knowledge (10 items), attitudes (9 items), and preventive practices (8 items). Analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression (SPSS v27.0). Results: Inadequate knowledge (63.3%) and poor preventive practices (57.3%) were prevalent. The endemic regions showed significantly higher adequate knowledge (42.6% vs. 30.8%, P = 0.001) and better practices (47.0% vs. 38.4%, P = 0.016). Knowledge strongly correlated with practices ( P < 0.001), although 44.9% with adequate knowledge reported poor practices. Attitudes toward dengue seriousness and preventability showed no significant regional differences ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: Significant regional disparities in knowledge and practices exist, with endemic regions demonstrating better outcomes. Interventions must address knowledge gaps and structural barriers to bridge the knowledge-practice divide, requiring tailored strategies for each region.