COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AMONG ADULTS REGARDING DENGUE IN SELECTED RURAL AND URBAN AREAS OF KHURDA DISTRICT, ODISHA

A comparative study to assess the knowledge and preventive practices among adults regarding dengue in selected rural and urban areas of khurda district, odisha. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the knowledge and practices of adults regarding dengue and its prevention in selected rural and urban areas of Khurda, and to correlate knowledge with practices in both settings. The investigator utilized a descriptive survey research approach, incorporating both correlational and comparative designs. She selected adults 50 from rural and 50 from urban area of khurda district by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were gathered using a valid and reliable checklist along with a semi-structured interview schedule. The study revealed that urban residents have better mean knowledge and practices regarding dengue prevention compared to rural residents. While the majority of both rural (98%) and urban (100%) participants recognized fever and rash as signs of dengue, few were aware that headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and pain behind the eyes are also symptoms. A significant difference in knowledge was observed between rural and urban participants (z = 2.3), but no significant difference in practice (z = 1.9). There was a moderately positive correlation between knowledge and practice for both rural (r = 0.78) and urban (r = 0.42) residents, indicating that increased knowledge leads to better practices. his study has potential applications across various areas of nursing, including education, practice, research, and administration. It could be expanded by replicating it with a larger randomized sample in a different setting. Additionally, a comparative study could be carried out to examine the knowledge of dengue and its prevention between nursing students and general college students.