Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue, Vector Control, and Vaccine Acceptance Among the Mexican Population

Sep 28, 2026

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Dengue is described as a growing public health problem requiring prevention strategies that address knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to transmission and protective measures. The study analyzes cross-sectional GEMKAP survey results among Mexican participants, using a web-based subset (600 people aged 18–60) and descriptive statistics. Findings report high implementation of preventive behaviors, strong vaccination confidence, and specific gaps in knowledge about dengue virus types and possible co-infection. Conclusions emphasize that KAP data can guide improved dengue prevention and management.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Review began 11/05/2025 Review ended 11/25/2025 Published 12/03/2025 © Copyright 2025 Solorzano-Santos et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0. , which permits unrestricted use , distribution , and reproduction in any medium , provided the original author and source are credited. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98389 Open Access Original Article Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue, Vector Control, and Vaccine Acceptance Among the Mexican Population Fortino Solorzano-Santos 1 , Miguel Betancourt-Cravioto 2, Gisel Escobedo 3, Jorge F. Mendez-Galvan Jose G. Martinez-Nuñez 5 , Abiel H. Mascareñas de los Santos 6, Jesus F. Gonzalez-Roldan 7, Sarbelio Moreno-Espinosa 8, Jose Ramos-Castañeda 9 4 , 1. Research Laboratory for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases,“Federico Gomez” Children 's Hospital, Mexico City, MEX 2. School of Medicine, Anahuac Mayab University, Merida, MEX 3. Medical Affairs, Takeda Mexico, Mexico City, MEX 4. Infectious Diseases,“Federico Gomez” Children 's Hospital, Mexico City, MEX 5. International Technical Group on Arbovirosis, Pan American Health Organization, Monterrey, MEX 6. Pediatric Infectious Diseases, "Dr. Jose E. Gonzalez " University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), Monterrey, MEX 7. School of Medicine, Anahuac University, Mexico City, MEX 8. Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medica Sur Hospital, Mexico City, MEX 9. Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional De Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, MEX Corresponding author: Jose Ramos-Castañeda, [jramos@insp.mx](jramos@insp.mx) Abstract Introduction Dengue is a growing public health problem. Prevention strategies need to consider the population’s attitudes, practices, and knowledge about the disease, including its transmission and preventive measures. This study aims to analyze the results of the cross-sectional GEMKAP (Growth & Emerging Markets, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) survey among the Mexican population and make recommendations for improvement. Methods A subset study of the GEMKAP survey was carried out, considering only Mexican participants. A total of 600 participants aged between 18 and 60 years were included. A web-based survey was administered from September to October 2022, with descriptive statistics applied for analysis. Results Six hundred people were evaluated ; 55% were women, 39% were young adults, and 71% had at least a highschool education. The scores obtained were: knowledge 48%, attitudes 68%, practices 42%, capability 55%, opportunity 61%, and motivation 58% . Knowledge regarding the vector varied ; only 37% knew the four types of dengue virus, 18% were informed that co-infection with two or more types of the virus was possible, and 93% knew that dengue could be fatal. The majority (97%) reported implementing preventive measures for dengue. Confidence in vaccination was high (79%) . The majority (80%) believed that the dengue vaccine should be available for everyone. Twenty-four percent would not get the vaccine if they had to pay for it, and 65% would get it to prevent dengue if a medical professional recommends it. The main concerns were the level of vaccine protection (46%) and safety (44%) . Conclusions KAP studies provide valuable information obtained directly from the population affected by dengue. This data can help to improve dengue prevention and management strategies. Categories: Public Health, Infectious Disease Keywords: dengue, knowledge, mexico, population survey, vaccine, vector control Introduction Dengue is a disease transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and is a growing global public health problem [1,2] . Despite efforts to control the vector and the transmission of the virus, dengue is endemic approximately between latitude 30°N and 30°S worldwide, in what is known as the dengue belt, with recurrent outbreaks affecting mi

FAQs

What is the purpose of the GEMKAP-related study on dengue?

The study aims to analyze GEMKAP cross-sectional survey results among the Mexican population and provide recommendations to improve dengue prevention considerations based on knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

How was the survey conducted and who participated?

A subset of the GEMKAP survey was administered to Mexican participants. The study included 600 participants aged 18 to 60 years, using a web-based survey from September to October 2022 with descriptive statistics for analysis.

What did the results show about dengue prevention behaviors and vaccination acceptance?

Most participants reported implementing preventive measures (97%). Confidence in vaccination was high (79%), and 80% believed the vaccine should be available for everyone; however, 24% would not get the vaccine if they had to pay for it.

Sep 28, 2026

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