Health Belief Model Pada Penderita Demam Berdarah Dengue di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mamajang Kota Makassar

Abstract

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is an acute fever with two or more symptoms such as retro-orbital pain, headache, skin rashes, bleeding, and leukopenia that lasts between 2-7 days. The primary vector of DHF is Aedes aegypti mosquito. This research investigates the perceptions of patients with Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) within the working area of Mamajang Health Centre in Makassar City. It uses qualitative method with a phenomenological approach in scrutinising  the issue.  The research data are obtained through in-depth   interviews   with   several   informants.  The   findings  suggest  some  interesting information  about the  issue. first of  all, most  informants  believe that  their vulnerability toward Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is due to the environmental condition, symptoms, times of disease transmission,  patients, and the consequences of catching the disease. They also view Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) as an alarming disease because it lowers the patients'  productivity, prohibits them from working for earning income,  as well as causes casualties.  This  research  further  reveals  informants'  perception  of the  benefits  of  some Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) prevention programs that they have participated in. In addition to reducing their risk of catching the disease,  the prevention programs also allow them to enjoy a cleaner and tidier neighbourhood. However, they also claimed that they had also faced some challenges in implementing the programs. The pesticides contain various additive substances that they deem dangerous for their health and thus they have to be careful in using them.  Besides, they find that using sleeping nets are unpleasant during warmer days. Although they have complaints, most informants believe that the sacrifices are worth for their health  and wellbeing.  They also actively prevent Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) by burying unused stuff, covering water storages,  regularly cleaning bathtubs,  draining puddles, as well as using pesticides. Most informants are aware of the importance of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever  (DHF)   prevention programs  even without  constant reminders from people around them.

Keywords: Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Health Belief Model, Aedes Aegypti.