Dietary knowledge,attitude and practice among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Sudan: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn Sudan, the prevalence of diabetes in adults was estimated at 19.1% in 2015. This study assessed dietary knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Sudan.MethodsWe randomly selected 238 T2DM patients from a list of 2460 patients from the Jabber Abulizz Hospital. We interviewed them face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the determinants of KAP regarding the recommended diets for T2DM patients.ResultsMajority of the patients demonstrated good knowledge (54.6%), positive attitude (79%); and good practice (58%). The result revealed that patients with formal education had 3.0 (95% CI: 1.6–5.7) times higher odds of having good diabetic dietary knowledge than those with informal education. While patients who had good knowledge and a positive attitude were respectively 4.7 (95% CI: 2.4–8.9) and 3.2 (95% CI: 1.5–6.7) times more likely to follow dietary recommendations than the patients with poor knowledge and negative attitudes.ConclusionIrrespective of the socio-demographic position, the good knowledge and the positive attitude towards the recommended diet, all the T2DM patients complied with the dietary recommendations. These findings highlight the need for improving knowledge and promoting positive attitudes towards the recommended diet among T2DM patients.     

The role of health professionals in childhood injury prevention: A systematic review of the literature

ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature to explore health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and practices and their role in childhood injury prevention.MethodsMEDLINE (1966–September Week 1 2005), EMBASE (1980–2005 Week 37), CINAHL (1982–September Week 1 2005), BRITISH NURSING INDEX (1985–September 2005) and PsychINFO (1967–August Week 5 2005) were searched using relevant ‘medical subheadings’ (for MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) and ‘thesaurus terms’ (for PsychINFO).ResultsTwenty-five primary studies were retrieved, the majority of which were surveys. Health professionals’ knowledge was reported to be variable, although generally they have a positive attitude towards childhood injury prevention. Even with adequate knowledge and positive attitudes there appear to be barriers in prevention practice.ConclusionThere continues to be a need for high quality research specifically looking at how to change practice. Nevertheless, although training may be effective at increasing health professionals’ knowledge and changing their attitudes, legislative and engineering measures may ultimately more effective at reducing the burden of childhood injuries.Practice implicationsBarriers to practice for health professionals need to be taken into account. No matter how knowledgeable nor how positive their attitudes to childhood injury prevention if barriers to practice are not addressed we will move no closer to reducing the burden of injuries in childhood. Those health professionals who are positive about their role may be best suited to continue to raise the issue campaigning for legislative and engineering changes which can reduce childhood injuries.     

What doubts,concerns and fears about COVID-19 emerged during the first wave of the pandemic?

ObjectivesThe control of the COVID-19 pandemic depends strongly on effective communication, which must be grounded on the population’s perceptions and knowledge. We aimed to analyse the doubts, concerns and fears expressed by the Portuguese population about COVID-19.MethodsWe performed a content analysis of 293 questions submitted to online, radio, newspaper and TV channel forums during the first month of the pandemic in Portugal.ResultsMost questions contained doubts (n = 230), especially on how to prevent person-to-person transmission (n = 40) and how to proceed in case of symptoms (n = 37). Concerns and fears were also very commonly expressed (n = 144), mostly about which persons could be considered vulnerable (n = 53) and how to prevent transmission during daily life or normal activities (n = 37).ConclusionAs the pandemic evolved and suppression measures were put in place, doubts moved to concerns of vulnerability, quarantine and social isolation, and to doubts about transmission, transmission prevention, and on how to proceed in case of symptoms.Practice implicationsThese results may inform future communication strategies for a more adequate response in the next phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in future pandemics.     

Gender and Occupation Predict Coronavirus Disease 2019 Knowledge,Attitude and Practices of a Cohort of a South Indian State Population

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoViD 19) pandemic has induced the government to initiate strict control measures. Improvements to these measures and shortcomings could be gleaned with the understanding of the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the public. Aims: The aim of this study the CoViD 19 KAP of a south Indian state population. Settings and Design: This was a Cross-sectional observational study. Subjects and Methods: We conducted an online survey to elicit this information. Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, Standard deviation, Binomial and Multinomial logistic regression. Results: Of the 1837 subjects who answered the survey, 70% were youth (16–29 years), 54% were postgraduates and 47.8% were desk jobholders. The mean knowledge score was 9.92 ± 2.37/14 and 94.44% secured at least above-average score. The subjects had a positive (70%) attitude towards the CoViD 19 situation and 77% of subjects followed good preventive practices. However, we found that women, people with low education and nonmedical background were associated with poor knowledge and practices. The attitude was poor in subjects occupant in physical works. Conclusions: The health policy would better serve the purpose of the groups with poor scores are targeted.     

HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): a cross-sectional study of primary school teachers

BackgroundTeachers are in advantage position to propagate correct information with regard to HIV/AIDS thereby influencing attitude towards PLWHA. With correct information stigmatization leading to spread of the scourge might be prevented.Aims & ObjectivesThe study was conducted to determine knowledge and attitude of primary school teachers towards PLWHA.Methods & MaterialsThe cross-sectional survey was used to study a sample of 400 primary school teachers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was researchers'' designed questionnaire. Out of 400 copies of questionnaire administered; 394 representing 98.5% return rate, were used for analysis of data.ResultsResults showed respondents had moderate (57.4%) knowledge concerning HIV/AIDS and positive attitude (3.09 ± 0.98) to PLWHA. Female teachers'' dispositions to PLWHA were better than the males based on their attitude scores and the difference was not significant in general knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude to PLWHA.ConclusionOur findings underscore the need for a universal health education programme, focusing on HIV/AIDS education, in education institutions that train teachers in Nigeria so as to possibly mitigate the discrepancy in knowledge regarding curability of AIDS and any undesirable attitude towards PLWHA that may arise among teachers.     

Dengue hemorrhagic fever – A systemic literature review of current perspectives on pathogenesis,prevention and control

BackgroundDengue is an arboviral disease caused by dengue virus. Symptomatic dengue infection causes a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild dengue fever (DF) to potentially fatal disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). We conducted a literature review to analyze the risks of DHF and current perspectives for DHF prevention and control.MethodsAccording to the PRISMA guidelines, the references were selected from PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar database using search strings containing a combination of terms that included dengue hemorrhagic fever, pathogenesis, prevention and control. Quality of references were evaluated by independent reviewers.ResultsDHF was first reported in the Philippines in 1953 and further transmitted to the countries in the region of South-East Asia and Western Pacific. Plasma leakages is the main pathophysiological hallmark that distinguishes DHF from DF. Severe plasma leakage can result in hypovolemic shock. Various factors are thought to impact disease presentation and severity. Virus virulence, preexisting dengue antibodies, immune dysregulation, lipid change and host genetic susceptibility are factors reported to be correlated with the development of DHF. However, the exact reasons and mechanisms that triggers DHF remains controversial. Currently, no specific drugs and licensed vaccines are available to treat dengue disease in any of its clinical presentations.ConclusionThis study concludes that antibody-dependent enhancement, cytokine dysregulation and variation of lipid profiles are correlated with DHF occurrence. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, active and continuous surveillance of cases and vectors are the essential determinants for dengue prevention and control.     

Malaria prevention among afghan refugees in a malarious area, southeastern Iran

Each year, 24–36% of malaria cases in Beluchestan (area) occur among Afghani refugees. Knowledge about malaria transmission and protection are important for these refugees to enable local Health Services to manage malaria control in the area. Our objective was to explore and investigate knowledge, attitude and practices of Afghan refugees and Iranian residents with respect to malaria transmission and protection. A cross-sectional study was performed and 10% of target groups were selected by systematic random sampling and then interviewed. In this study, 385 Iranian and 390 Afghani refugees participated in the survey. Respondents answered questions about demographic characters, cause and transmission of malaria, belief about severity and complications of malaria, malaria mobility and health care-seeking behavior, perceived control of malaria prevention, beliefs about utility of bed nets, perceived susceptibility to malaria, and whether they use window-screens and bed nets. The majority of Iranians (76.6%) and Afghanis (60.1%) were familiar with typical symptoms of the malaria disease, but about 50% of each group did not know malaria transmission occurs by mosquito bites. About 90% of Afghanis stated they do not use personal protection against mosquito bites over night, while 60% of Iranians used bed net. Only one third of Afghani refugees use local Health Center services. Conclusion: The cross-border traffic of Afghanis is an important factor for persistence of malaria in Baluchestan but based on our data, life style and protective behavior of refugees with regard to malaria protection are also important factors, particularly because they do not use local Health Services. Therefore, it is important to implement prevention education programs specifics to target Afghani refugees and to employ Afghani public health professionals to asset with elimination and treatment.     

Parents’ experiences and information needs related to childhood fever: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo synthesize current evidence about experiences and information needs of parents/caregivers managing pediatric fever.MethodsWe used systematic review methodology with an a priori protocol. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, from 2000 to May 2018.ResultsWe included thirty-six studies (n = 29 quantitative, n = 7 qualitative; 15,727 participants). Quantitative data contained four themes; 1) caregivers seek information about pediatric fever, 2) low knowledge is coupled with misconceptions and anxiety, 3) fever assessment and management practices vary, 4) demographic factors (e.g., ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, education) influence information needs and health practices. Qualitative data contained three themes; 1) tension between logic and emotion, 2) responsibility contrasted with sense of vulnerability, 3) seeking support and information to build confidence.ConclusionParents often overestimate the risks associated with pediatric fever and struggle to make decisions during a child’s febrile illness — leading to caregiving actions that may not reflect current clinical recommendations. Parents seek knowledge about how to care for a febrile child at home and what indicators should prompt them to seek medical attention.Practice ImplicationsIn addition to providing clear, reliable information, interventions that address educational, pragmatic, and emotional domains may be effective in supporting parents.     

Lack of knowledge among blood donors in Burkina Faso (West Africa); potential obstacle to transfusion security]

BackgroundThe measures recommended to reduce TTD include clinical selection of donors, based on a standardized questionnaire which aims to find out antecedents and behaviours predicting transmitted diseases within donors. The effectiveness of this measure is well established in the industrialized countries where the level of education of the population may support a greater receptivity of donors about this procedure. What is happening in developing one?AimThis study was carried out to assess knowledge attitude and behaviours among blood donors regarding blood and transfusion safety in Burkina Faso.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out in the blood bank of the teaching hospital of Ouagadougou. In addition to the routine questionnaire, 544 included blood donors were subjected to additional questions seeking to specify their behaviours, knowledge and attitude towards TTD diseases and screening.ResultsDonors were from 16 to 57 years of age (mean age : 28 ± 7.9 years). The majority of donors were male (71.2%). Family donors represent 52% and first time donors 55%. About 30.8% were illiterate or of primary school level. A percentage of 14.4 donate to access HIV testing and 30.7% will donate blood immediately to check any contamination in case of exposure. There was no difference between donors having been informed about their HIV status in the past and the other donors regarding HIV, HBs Ag and VHC results.ConclusionsThis study suggests that there is some great need for donors’ education on transfusion safety. There is also need for staff training in donors’ management.     

Effectiveness of counseling at primary health facilities: Level of knowledge of antenatal attendee and their attitude on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in primary health facilities in Dar es salaam,Tanzania

Background

Children living with HIV worldwide majority are infected through mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) acquired during pregnancy. Knowledge, attitude and behavioral changes are pivot tools towards success of any interventions.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of counseling on HIV done in primary health facilities (PHF), level of knowledge gained and attitude changes towards PMTCT.

Methods

A cross sectional study assessing pregnant women''s knowledge and their attitude towards PMTCT was conducted in Temeke district from October 2010 to Jan 2011 using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 383 antenatal attendees were referred to Temeke district for management after counselled and tested for HIV in PHFs. Majority (86.9%) had primary education and good knowledge on MTCT. Correct timing of ARVs prophylaxis (15.7%) as preventive measures for MTCT was poor. Education and employment were associated with good knowledge on MTCT of HIV. Women had positive attitudes towards HIV counseling and testing, but stigma was a barrier to disclosure of one''s serostatus.

Conclusion

There is knowledge gap in routine PMTCT counseling among antenatal attendees in our PHFs. Effective counseling on PMTCT in the PHFs will bridge the identified knowledge gap and help in reduction of pediatric HIV.     

Counselling at primary health facilities and level of knowledge of antenatal attendees and their attitude on prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Dar-es salaam,Tanzania

Background

Children living with HIV worldwide majority are infected through mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) acquired during pregnancy. Knowledge, attitude and behavioral changes are pivot tools towards success of any interventions.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of counseling on HIV done in primary health facilities (PHF), level of knowledge gained and attitude changes towards PMTCT.

Methods

A cross sectional study assessing pregnant women''s knowledge and their attitude towards PMTCT was conducted in Temeke district from October 2010 to Jan 2011 using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 383 antenatal attendees were referred to Temeke district for management after counselled and tested for HIV in PHFs. Majority (86.9%) had primary education and good knowledge on MTCT. Correct timing of ARVs prophylaxis (15.7%) as preventive measures for MTCT was poor. Education and employment were associated with good knowledge on MTCT of HIV. Women had positive attitudes towards HIV counseling and testing, but stigma was a barrier to disclosure of one''s serostatus.

Conclusion

There is knowledge gap in routine PMTCT counseling among antenatal attendees in our PHFs. Effective counseling on PMTCT in the PHFs will bridge the identified knowledge gap and help in reduction of pediatric HIV.     

Awareness of cytomegalovirus infection among pregnant women in France

BackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital virus infection. Approximately 1% of newborns are infected by CMV at birth with severe consequences among 10% of them. Efficacy of hygienic counselling is nowadays established and should be spread.ObjectiveTo evaluate pregnant women's awareness of cytomegalovirus infection in France.Study designPregnant women receiving prenatal care, at any moment of their pregnancy, in two different obstetrics clinics with different information policies, were asked to complete a written questionnaire about CMV infection.ResultsMore than half (217/362, 60%) of the pregnant women had heard of congenital CMV infection, and most of them (72%) knew the hygiene measures to use to prevent infection. Nevertheless, most could not correctly identify the symptoms associated with congenital CMV disease. Awareness was associated with hospital's policy concerning CMV infection information, the mother's educational level, parity, and employment in health care. Indeed, when information is supposed to be given (hospital A), 74% (vs 34%) know congenital CMV infection and among them the knowledge is more precise.ConclusionsThis study tends to confirm that there is a large gap between knowledge of CMV and the burden of this disease. To bridge this gap, women should receive education about congenital CMV. Hospital-based prenatal education increases awareness and knowledge about CMV and CMV prevention.     

Knowledge,attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS among barbers in Ho municipality,Ghana

Barbering poses risks of HIV transmission if it is not conducted in a hygienic manner. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV transmission among barbers in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional design was employed in Ho Municipality, and data were collected from 121 participants and analysed using Stata version 13.0 at the significance level of 0.05. Knowledge was low (63.6%) and was associated with attitude [COR=4.37 (95% CI: 1.98–9.62); p<0.001] and with level of education [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.70–14.21); p=0.003]. Attitude was inadequate (58.7%) and was associated with level of education [COR=3.47 (95% CI: 1.18–10.14); p=0.023]. Poor prevention practice was high (87.6%) and was associated with work experience [COR=20.72 (95% CI: 3.86–111.05); p<0.001] and location of operation [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.60–15.14); p=0.006]. Programmes aimed at improving knowledge, attitudes and practices should focus on Barbers in urban communities, those without any formal education, and those with less than five years work experience.     

Knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention measures among university workers. Identification of subgroups through cluster analysis

IntroductionThe knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures for controlling the disease have been widely studied in the general population, but little is known about whether the University workers as educators and transmitters of knowledge have appropriate knowledge and take preventive measures for COVID-19. This study aims to analyze the knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures in university workers, to identify groups according to the preventive practices they adopt, and to analyze the factors associated with these practices.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 677 university workers in the University of Cádiz, Spain. A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables, housing, health conditions, knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures were administered. The information was collected between 8th and 22nd April, 2020. A cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups depending on the preventive measures. Associated factors were tested with binary logistic regression.ResultsTwo groups were identified. Group 1 included 513 subjects who took preventive measures most frequently (means 2.59-4.83). Group 2 included 164 subjects who took preventive measures less frequently (means 1.59-4.22). Men (OR = 1.39), the Teaching and research personnel (OR = 1.49) and individuals with a chronic illness (OR = 1.60) were more likely to belong to the group 2. Those with more knowledge about isolation prevention (OR = 0.167) and early treatment (OR = 0.665) were more likely to belong to group 1.ConclusionIn order to reduce the transmission of the disease, it is necessary to promote the knowledge and use of preventive measures among the group of individuals identified as less engaged in preventive measures.     

Exploring unsafe sexual practices among truck drivers at Meerut District,India: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite implementation of HIV prevention programmes for truck drivers in India, unsafe sex behavior among truck drivers has been documented.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess knowledge about HIV Transmission and modes of prevention, pattern of condom use with high risk partners and explore the practice of unsafe sex and its risk factors among truck drivers.MethodsThis exploratory cross-sectional study design was conducted on a recruited convenient sample of 100 truck drivers above 18 years from March to May 2015. Binary logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] for establishing association of risk factors with unsafe sex.ResultsOverall, only 7% had complete knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. 54% of truck drivers have sex with a high risk partner (commercial sexual worker or men having sex with men) and thirty-eight percent reported unsafe sexual practices due to inconsistent condom use with them. The various risk factors found significantly associated with unsafe sex were mean age of first intercourse (OR= 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75 – 0.97), access to pornography (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8 – 10.7) and conuming psychoactive substance before sex (OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 1.09 – 15.02).ConclusionSocio-demographic, occupational factors, pornography access and consuming psychoactive substances seems to influence the sexual behaviour of truckers.     

Analysis of Factors Affecting Emergency Physicians’ Attitudes toward Deceased Organ & Tissue Donation

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate differences in knowledge, and attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation of emergency physicians. Additionally, we analyzed factors affecting the attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation.MethodsWe conducted a survey of specialists and residents registered with the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine in December 2020. The respondents’ sex, age, position, personal registration for organ donation, experience of soliciting organ donation, participation in related education, knowledge, and attitude about brain death organ donation, and attitude toward stopping life-sustaining treatments were investigated. According to the characteristics of the respondents (specialists or residents, experience and education on organ and tissue donation), their knowledge and attitude toward deceased organ donation were compared. Stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the factors affecting the attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation.ResultsOf the total 428 respondents, there were 292 emergency medicine specialists and 136 medical residents. Specialists and those who registered or wished to donate organs had higher knowledge and attitude scores regarding deceased organ and tissue donation. Those who had experience recommending organ and tissue donation more than 6 times had higher knowledge scores on deceased organ and tissue donation and higher overall scores in attitude. Those who received education from the Korean Organ Donation Agency had higher knowledge scores. Specialists, and those who wished to donate or had registered as organ donors and had a higher life-sustaining treatment attitude score and knowledge about deceased organ and tissue donation, had more positive attitudes toward deceased organ and tissue donation.ConclusionFor more potential deceased organ and tissue donors to be referred for donation, there should be continuous education for emergency physicians on brain-dead organ and tissue donation-related knowledge and procedures. In addition, institutional or systematic improvements that can lead to organ donation when deciding on the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment should be considered.     

Can causal explanations about endothelial pathophysiology benefit patient education? A cluster randomized controlled trial in cardiac rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo examine whether explaining causal links among endothelial pathophysiology, cardiac risk factors, symptoms and health behaviors (termed causal information) enhances patients’ depth of knowledge about cardiovascular disease self-management and their perceptions of the cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention (CRSP) program.MethodsNewly referred CRSP patients (N = 94) were cluster randomized to usual care (control; UC) or usual care with causal information (intervention; UC + CI). Depth of knowledge (factual vs. deep) was measured with an adapted cognitive-reasoning task. Patients’ cardiovascular knowledge and beliefs about the efficacy of a CRSP program were assessed.ResultsAfter controlling for education level, patients in UC + CI demonstrated deeper knowledge about cardiovascular management than did those in UC. The UC + CI group showed higher factual knowledge than their counterparts after covarying education, occupation status and BMI. The UC + CI group also rated the CRSP program as more credible than those in UC, after controlling for age. Deep knowledge mediated the relationship between group conditions and perceived credibility of CRSP.ConclusionCausal information can enhance the depth of patients’ understanding of cardiovascular disease management and perceived treatment credibility of the CRSP program.Practice implicationsExplaining causal links may help improve patient education delivery and enhance patient engagement in CRSP.     

Potential of household environmental resources and practices in eliminating residual malaria transmission: a case study of Tanzania,Burundi, Malawi and Liberia

BackgroundThe increasing protection gaps of insecticide-treated nets and indoor-residual spraying methods against malaria have led to an emergence of residual transmission in sub-Saharan Africa and thus, supplementary strategies to control mosquitoes are urgently required.ObjectiveTo assess household environmental resources and practices that increase or reduce malaria risk among children under-five years of age in order to identify those aspects that can be adopted to control residual transmission.MethodsHousehold environmental resources, practices and malaria test results were extracted from Malaria Indicators Survey datasets for Tanzania, Burundi, Malawi and Liberia with 16,747 children from 11,469 households utilised in the analysis. Logistic regressions were performed to quantify the contribution of each factor to malaria occurrence.ResultsCattle rearing reduced malaria risk between 26%–49% while rearing goats increased the risk between 26%–32%. All piped-water systems reduced malaria risk between 30%–87% (Tanzania), 48%–95% (Burundi), 67%–77% (Malawi) and 58%–73 (Liberia). Flush toilets reduced malaria risk between 47%–96%. Protected-wells increased malaria risk between 19%–44%. Interestingly, boreholes increased malaria risk between 19%–75%. Charcoal use reduced malaria risk between 11%–49%.ConclusionVector control options for tackling mosquitoes were revealed based on their risk levels. These included cattle rearing, installation of piped-water systems and flush toilets as well as use of smokeless fuels.     

Serum cytokine/chemokine profiles in patients with dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (FHD) by using protein array

BackgroundDENV infection can induce different clinical manifestations varying from mild forms to dengue fever (DF) or the severe hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Several factors are involved in the progression from DF to DHF. No marker is available to predict this progression. Such biomarker could allow a suitable medical care at the beginning of the infection, improving patient prognosis.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the serum expression levels of acute phase proteins in a well-established cohort of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) patients, in order to individuate a prognostic marker of diseases severity.Study designThe serum levels of 36 cytokines, chemokines and acute phase proteins were determined in DF and DHF patients and compared to healthy volunteers using a multiplex protein array and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence detection. Serum levels of IL-1ra, IL-23, MIF, sCD40 ligand, IP-10 and GRO-α were also determined by ELISA.ResultsAt the early stages of infection, GRO-α and IP-10 expression levels were different in DF compared to DHF patients. Besides, GRO-α was positively correlated with platelet counts and IP-10 was negatively correlated with total protein levels.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that high levels of GRO-α during acute DENV infection may be associated with a good prognosis, while high levels of IP-10 may be a warning sign of infection severity.