Evaluation des connaissances et pratiques déclarées des professionnels de santé concernant la prise en charge de la dengue chez les femmes enceintes et les enfants de moins de cinq ans à l’Hôpital de Zone de Boko (Bénin), en 2025

Introduction: Dengue is an emerging mosquito-borne viral disease primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti. In Benin, the circulation of both the virus and its vector has recently been documented, highlighting the need to assess healthcare workers' knowledge, particularly among those caring for pregnant women and children under five years of age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2025 among healthcare professionals working in the maternity and pediatric departments of Boko District Hospital, Benin. All eligible healthcare workers were recruited using an exhaustive sampling approach. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire supplemented by individual interviews. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of dengue, clinical management practices, training needs, and factors associated with knowledge level. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed with a significance level of 5%. Results: Thirty-seven healthcare professionals participated, with a mean age of 35.7 ± 9.8 years. Nurses (43.2%) and midwives (40.5%) represented the largest professional groups. Although 89.2% had previously heard of dengue and 78.4% correctly identified mosquito transmission, only 48.6% demonstrated an overall good level of knowledge. Major gaps were identified regarding laboratory diagnosis, recognition of warning signs, hospitalization criteria, therapeutic contraindications, and patient management. None of the participants had received specific training on dengue, while 83.8% considered their knowledge insufficient. No statistically significant association was found between knowledge level and age, profession, or years of professional experience. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals at Boko District Hospital demonstrated substantial deficiencies in dengue-related knowledge and clinical practice, potentially compromising early diagnosis and appropriate management of severe cases. Strengthening continuing professional education and implementing national clinical guidelines are essential to improve the quality of dengue care.