Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on climate change and dengue among medical students, Huancayo, 2024

Introduction: Climate change and dengue fever pose interconnected challenges to global public health. In Peru, the incidence of dengue has been increasing since 1990, reaching a historical peak in 2024. Despite the availability of treatment, it is essential to strengthen primary care by integrating knowledge and preventive attitudes into university education. This study analyzes the level of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices related to dengue and climate change among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2024, surveying 172 randomly selected medical students from a total of 300. A validated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, as well as data on knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices. Participants who scored above 80% of the total score were considered to have an adequate level in each evaluated category. Results: Among the respondents, 58% were women, with an average age of 20.45 years. A total of 64.53% demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge about dengue, while 99.42% had sufficient knowledge about climate change. Although 65.70% exhibited favorable attitudes toward prevention, only 29.07% engaged in adequate preventive practices. A significant association was found between a good level of knowledge about dengue and the adoption of preventive practices (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Medical students have a good knowledge and attitude related to dengue and climate change but apply few preventive measures. It is essential to improve their training with workshops and practical activities. Policies in Peru have prioritized vector control, information campaigns and vaccination, but there are still challenges in terms of resources and sustainability. A multisectoral approach is required that includes sanitation and climate adaptation, aligning medical training with these challenges.