Knowledge and Perceptions about Diagnosis, Clinical Management, and Prevention of Dengue Fever among Physicians during the 2023 outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peru

Abstract

Abstract Objective To evaluate the knowledge level and perception of dengue fever regarding the diagnosis, management, and prevention of this disease among Peruvian physicians and to determine the factors associated with higher knowledge. Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on an online survey from June 21, 2023, to July 20, 2023. Licensed physicians who live and practice Medicine in Peru were included. To evaluate the factors associated with a high level of knowledge (≥ 70% of correct answer), we used crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using a Poisson regression model. Results Overall, 359 participants (median age, 33 years; male, 56.5%) were included. 78.8% of participants achieved ≥ 70% of correct answers in the questionnaire. In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with high level of knowledge (≥ 70%) included having read the Peruvian clinical practice guidelines for dengue management (aPR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.49), having experience in treating patients with dengue (aPR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.68), and having treated cases of dengue frequently (aPR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.46). Finally, physicians who held a clear opinion about whether the Peruvian Ministry of Health adequately trained healthcare personnel, whether in agreement (aPR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.44) or disagreement (aPR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.38), demonstrated higher knowledge about dengue compared to those who had a neutral opinion (neither agreed nor disagreed). Conclusions There was a high level of knowledge about dengue fever among Peruvian physicians; however, given the lower knowledge in the Eastern macroregion, educational campaigns would be necessary in this area to improve the identification and treatment of cases. Our study also showed that having clinical experience in the management of dengue is associated with higher knowledge.