Bridging the knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards dengue infection in Maharashtra, India: a cross-sectional online survey

Dengue fever poses a significant socioeconomic and public health burden in India, particularly in Maharashtra where incidence rates are high. In the absence of effective antiviral treatments or vaccines with broad coverage, disease prevention through community engagement and awareness is critical. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to dengue—factors that directly influence public health resilience and health equity. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Maharashtra residents aged ≥ 15 years using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Participants were recruited through social media and digital networks. A structured 28-item questionnaire evaluated demographic characteristics, knowledge about dengue, attitudes toward the disease, and preventive practices. KAP scores were categorized using 75% cut-off to understand performance as good or moderate-poor. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression models were used to assess the 574 valid responses. Most participants were females (55.58%), 21–30 years (58.19%), graduates (49.3%), and urban (60.98%). The mean scores were 14.76 ± 4.19 for knowledge, 3.89 ± 0.86 for attitude, 6.19 ± 1.82 for practices, and 24.78 ± 5.35 for KAP. Only 5.05% of participants scored above the 75% cut-off for knowledge, whereas 67.07% and 60.1% had good attitude and practice scores, respectively. Overall KAP scores were significantly associated with education (p = 0.0051). Component-wise analysis showed gender influenced knowledge and attitude; rural residence was associated with better practices; younger age predicted better attitudes and practices. Multivariate regression identified higher education (AOR = 1.55, p = 0.029), knowledge score (AOR = 1.09, p = 0.0003), and attitude score (AOR = 1.35, p = 0.009) as independent predictors of good preventive practices. Despite favourable attitudes and preventive behaviours, gaps in dengue-related knowledge persist among the studied participants, reflecting challenges relevant across India. This study highlights a gap between evidence and action underscoring the need for strengthened health education and targeted communication strategies.