Certificate No. AJA19-0226 “Level of Awareness towards Dengue among The Residents of Barangay Kauswagan” I. Objectives of the study 1.) To describe the profile of the respondents in terms of information sources, and highest educational attainment; 2.) To determine the level of awareness of the respondents on the preventive measures on dengue fever II. Analysis A. Data/ Population Focus was given on the factors that may influence the level of awareness with regard to immediate total control of Dengue fever among community residents of Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. Only actual efforts to reduce and prevent the acquisition of Dengue Hemorrhagic fever were given credit. A representative on District 1 was randomly selected as respondents to represent the district in this study. B. Method This study made use of a two part survey questionnaire as its main data gathering instrument. The first part of the questionnaire was designed to solicit information on the respondent’s profile, highest educational attainment, and sources of information (television, radio, newspaper, internet and the Health Care Certificate No. AJA19-0226 Center Programs) availed by the residents. The second part sought to generate information on the level of awareness about preventive measure of Dengue Fever with specific preventive measures indicated in the questionnaire which was based on the World Health Organization Fact Sheet for Dengue Fever in the year 2009, Preventive Measures from National Environment Agency and also the measures promoted by the Department of Health. Two sets of the survey questionnaire were drafted: one in English version which was used for the panel presentation and the other in the Visayan dialect for the benefit of the respondents. A reliability test of the survey questionnaire was conducted two weeks prior to the actual data gathering phase to check for possible vagueness in the questions formulated. The pretest has at least ten respondents with the same type and nature of the target population. The researchers were able to prepare a letter addressed to the Barangay Council and Health Center, informing the barangay and zone officials about the study, to be endorsed by the Dean of the College of Nursing and noted by the research adviser, asking for consent to conduct the study in Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. Also, the researchers were able to prepare consent forms to be signed and agreed upon by the respondents. The actual data gathering was done in a one-on-one interview with the respondents and that the researchers explained the nature of the survey and specific instructions were be given to the respondents for an assurance that they understood properly each question. The respondents were given ample time to answer the survey questionnaire. The data was tabulated indicating the frequency in describing the profile of the respondents. Mean and ranking were also used in Certificate No. AJA19-0226 the evaluation of the level of awareness on the preventive measures and practices of Dengue Fever among the residents Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City according to the variables of this study. C. Results Objective 1. To describes the profile of the respondents in terms of highest educational attainment. Reveals that half of the respondents have attained the secondary level of education (26) and the lowest percentage of educational attainment was the primary level of education (10). The highest educational attainment of an individual pertains to the formal education received by the individual and results to higher degree of comprehension. Literacy is related to health, which is according to Human Skills for the Knowledge Society (2005). Persons with higher level of understanding and critical thinking skills may maintain optimum health through their ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret various health information. They may also be in a better position to exercise preventive health practices and identify problems so that they can be treated earlier, or make the right choices amongst health care options available to them. Objective 2. To determine the level of awareness of the respondents on the preventive measures on dengue fever. The respondent’s level of awareness regarding the use of mosquito nets as a preventive measure is at (49) while they are least aware on avoiding and/or reducing outdoor activities during late afternoon. This implies that the Certificate No. AJA19-0226 residents of Barangay Kauswagan were aware that using mosquito nets is effective and most common preventive measure that they practice. The use of mosquito nets is the simplest way of preventing mosquito bites probably resulting to dengue. And also it is a traditional method of Filipinos to use the mosquito nets especially for those who are indigent. Avoiding and/or reducing outdoor activities during late afternoon is the least practiced because the residents at Barangay Kauswagan cannot avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon because it is their working hours and some of them have children that needs to picked up from school and they have to do groceries during late afternoon. Some respondent’s level of awareness through mass media exposure is at the highest level (42) on using mosquito nets because the DOH usually endorses it thru the media to the public, moreover the mosquito nets are affordable and convenient for most people. While the lowest level (18) was keeping unscreened doors and windows closed because it is not usually promoted by the media for it is not a priority intervention nevertheless it is not affordable especially for indigent people. This implies that Media plays a very important role on the level of awareness among individuals. Electronic, print media and interpersonal communications are the main sources of knowledge. It is assumed that the more a person is exposed to media, the more a person acquires knowledge specifically about Dengue fever. Furthermore, the respondent’s level of awareness through health care brochures, home visit and other health events which is at the highest level (35) was on the use of mosquito nets while the lowest level (12) was on avoiding and/or Certificate No. AJA19-0226 reducing outdoor activities during late afternoon. This implies that the availability and accessibility of health care services at the Barangay health center aims at increasing the level of awareness of the residents about its available health programs. It wishes to inform them on disease detection and prevention. Health awareness through community education plays a vital role in the Barangay health system. Through community education, residents cannot only be participants but also agents of change thus creating a ripple effect on other communal residencies as well. Other respondents (48) use of mosquito nets because it is more accessible and Health Centers usually donates mosquito nets while the least used practiced is keeping unscreened windows closed(19) because people can’t afford to make their windows screened. This implies that majority of the respondents of Barangay Kauswagan applied the preventive measure on mosquito nets. III. Reaction A. Statistical Methods Used The study used the descriptive research design. This study describes the characteristics of respondents such as; educational attainment, and availing health care services; and describe the differences that exist among the respondents when grouped according to their characteristics. Certificate No. AJA19-0226 B. Conclusion The statistical analysis used by the researchers were seen as acceptable since the results are answered based on the objectives of the study. IV. Reference International Peer Reviewed Journal 2012 “Level of Awareness Towards Dengue amongThe Residents of Barangay Kauswagan” Kristine Jane R. Abiva, Janikka Kissey Acain, Lordjec A. Arbois, Monique Carmelle V. Baluran, Hanna Alyanna P. Becoy, Sariah April Dela E. CruzCollege of Nursing Liceo de Cagayan University Prepared By: Mercia Q. Trabuco MAED – Biology Submitted to: Prof. Estelita Madriaga Statistics Professor