title: A study exploring the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young people regarding dengue fever and the extent of community involvement in vector control of the disease in Trinidad and Tobago.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study intends to explore young people's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever in Trinidad and Tobago.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interviews and focus groups were carried out with young people studying at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Thematic analysis was then conducted on these scripts and recommendations for improvement were made.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants had some knowledge about dengue fever; however the extent of this knowledge varied greatly. Participants knew most about the mode of spread and symptoms. All participants did something at home as a means of vector control of the disease; ensuring no stagnant water was present in containers in the yard was the most popular method of vector control. All participants were aware that the government sprayed the neighbourhoods against mosquitoes; however the majority thought they did not do this often enough.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Following the results of this study, three recommendations were made: the government should spray on a more regular basis, particularly just before the rainy season; a pilot study should take place investigating whether a fining scheme would improve vector control and dengue fever health education should be improved.
authors: University of Leeds Medical School, Leeds, England. um07alf@leeds.ac.uk
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Flynn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D003256:Community Participation; D003715:Dengue / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008297:Male; D009032:Mosquito Control; D014300:Trinidad and Tobago