Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Cases of Dengue in Tuluá, Colombia in 2024

Dengue fever is a significant public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Tuluá, a city located in the central region of Valle del Cauca in southwestern Colombia, is historically endemic and possesses ideal conditions for the proliferation of the vector. During the first half of 2024, the city experienced an unprecedented outbreak. Despite local efforts, gaps persist in community knowledge about the factors influencing transmission. This study is pioneering and novel as it evaluates knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and relates them to dengue in the region, integrating geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis of cases and associated variables, which enables the design of targeted and efficient public health interventions. The objective was to determine the KAP of residents regarding dengue and the incidence of cases during the first half of 2024. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, encompassing 401 KAP surveys, household verifications, and reported cases. Data were analyzed using SPSS and QGIS through tables and heat maps to identify spatial and statistical patterns. The results showed that 39.94% of the respondents recognized dengue symptoms, and 87.5% understood its mode of transmission. However, only 35.1% correctly identified the vector breeding sites. Preventive attitudes were limited (12.9% positive), and practices were inadequate: 46.6% of households had breeding sites, and only 12% adequately cleaned water tanks. Heat maps revealed critical areas where breeding sites, larvae, and confirmed cases overlapped, with high-density clusters separated by 10 to 20 m. The findings highlight significant gaps in KAP, which contribute to the persistence of dengue. Strengthening prevention and control measures, epidemiological surveillance, and promoting preventive practices are essential. The integration of KAP with georeferencing provides a replicable model for future research on dengue and other arboviral diseases transmitted by vectors, as it allows for targeted interventions in critical areas and optimizes public health planning in vulnerable urban communities.