Barriers to Accessing Dengue Healthcare: A Multicenter Survey from Dhaka, a Major Den- gue Hotspot in Bangladesh

Nahid Hassan  Nishan; M Z E M Naser Uddin  Ahmed; Sayeda Jahan  Oishy; Aria  Alam; Saidur Rahman  Mashreky

doi:10.18502/jbe.v10i2.17643

Nahid Hassan Nishan Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
M Z E M Naser Uddin Ahmed Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Sayeda Jahan Oishy Department of Medicine, Dhaka National Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Aria Alam Department of Medicine, Comilla Medical College Hospital, Comilla, Bangladesh.
Saidur Rahman Mashreky Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jbe.v10i2.17643

Keywords: Bangladesh; Dengue; Attitude to health; Health services; Health services acces- sibility

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, faces significant healthcare access barriers. Understanding these barriers is crucial for targeted interventions. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the barriers to accessing dengue healthcare through a multicenter survey in Dhaka, a major dengue hotspot in Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was employed throughout the study. The study was conducted in Dhaka City. This study used two-stage stratified sampling based on hospital type (public/private) and randomly selected 16 hospitals (7 public and 9 private), focusing on patients admitted with dengue. A total of 101 patients comprised the final sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that focused on patient characteristics and challenges in accessing dengue treatment. The main outcomes measured included availability and accessibility access barriers, access barriers related to knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, or practices (KAP), and financial access barriers. Statistical analysis assessed the influence of demographic factors on these access barriers.

Results: The study reveals overall 96.04% of participants perceived dengue as a serious threat. Demographically, the patients mostly lived in urban (85.15%) and varied in education. MANOVA indicates that demographic variables significantly impact access barriers, highlighting age, and education status as influential factors (P-value <0.05).

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of age and education as key determinants of access barriers in dengue healthcare. Addressing the unique needs of children and older adults, as well as enhancing educational opportunities, could be pivotal in mitigating these barriers.