Knowledge and attitudes toward dengue fever among nurses and healthcare workers in Tabriz, Iran: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes toward dengue fever among nurses and primary healthcare workers in Tabriz, Iran, and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from March to June 2025. Participants included 556 healthcare workers (345 nurses and 211 primary healthcare providers) from hospitals and primary care centers in Tabriz. Stratified random sampling was used for nurses and census sampling for primary healthcare providers. Data were collected using a validated 50-item questionnaire. Knowledge (score range 0–40) and attitude (score range 0–8) were assessed, with scores ≥ 60% considered adequate or positive. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariable general linear modeling. A total of 556 healthcare workers participated, including 345 nurses and 211 primary healthcare providers. Overall, 67.9% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge and 79.4% showed positive attitudes toward dengue fever based on study-defined thresholds. Knowledge and attitude scores were significantly lower among nurses compared with primary healthcare providers. Multivariable analysis indicated that occupation was the strongest predictor of knowledge, while attitudes were independently associated with occupation, gender, work experience, and knowledge level. Although most participants correctly identified mosquito-borne transmission, substantial misconceptions persisted regarding person-to-person transmission and pharmacological management. Healthcare workers in Tabriz demonstrated generally acceptable knowledge and positive attitudes toward dengue fever; however, important gaps were identified, particularly among nurses and in specific domains such as transmission pathways and clinical management. The observed associations between knowledge and attitudes highlight the need for targeted educational interventions tailored to professional roles. While improved knowledge may support preparedness, further studies incorporating direct assessment of clinical practices are required to determine its impact on real-world dengue prevention and management.