Knowledge, perception and Quality of Life assessment of Chikungunya Infected patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract During mid-2017, a major outbreak occurred in Bangladesh especially in Dhaka city. Before this outbreak, the people of Bangladesh did not have adequate knowledge about the Chikungunya infection virus. Throughout our study, we wanted to find the level of knowledge of the patients. Additionally, we wanted to see what sort of impact chikungunya put on the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. The cross-sectional study consisted of 50 (100% participation in follow up) healthcare background and 98 non-healthcare (91.84% participation in follow up). Preparation of the questionnaire was done after proper analysis. The questionnaire was validated applying reliability scale. The value of Cronbach alpha is found more than 0.5 that validated the questionnaire. In the cross-sectional study, we compared the knowledge and perception by using different statistical analysis tools and models. Also, in the follow-up study, statistical analysis was done to find out the impacts on QoL using a systemic methodology. 51.35% of patients who participated in the study are female. From the total patients, 52.03% took home remedies for recovery as 46.62% visited the hospitals. Preexisting medical conditions are not affected by 69.59% of patients. However, in the cross-sectional study, differences in knowledge are found between healthcare and non-healthcare patients. Healthcare patients have more significant (p-value < 0.05) knowledge (e.g. chikungunya is a viral infection) than non-healthcare patients. From the two-sample T-test, we found no significant difference in the average awareness in some truth, false and perception-based statements among healthcare and non-healthcare patients. In a follow-up study, patients have faced different types of post-chikungunya symptoms like joint pain, muscle pain, skin problems (mostly rashes), headache, etc. from which, joint pain and headache were most significant (p-value < 0.05). Findings of this suggest that they experienced worse QoL in terms of a physical and mental state than before having affected by chikungunya infection although there is less effect on QoL in terms of financial condition. Our study shows that the difference between healthcare and non-healthcare patients is significant. This will help us to establish awareness and knowledge campaigns among the general people. Additionally, our study will help people to take post chikungunya cautions.