Risk Factors for Dengue Virus Infection Among Hospitalized Patients in Bangladesh

Abstract

Dengue virus infection (DVI), a mosquito-borne arboviral infection, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Bangladesh, where incidence has surged over the past three decades—particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. This study investigates the factors influencing DVI seropositivity among clinically suspected patients admitted to the selected hospitals of Savar, Dhaka, and Chattogram. Data were collected from 850 clinically suspected patients admitted to two hospitals in Savar, Dhaka, and two in Chattogram during 2019. Questionnaire responses and laboratory test results (NS1, IgM, and IgG) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Out of 450 admissions in Savar, 330 tested positive, while Chattogram reported 145 positives from 400 cases. No significant differences were observed between regions in relation to hospital type, season, gender, or household preventive measures. In Savar, DVI status was significantly associated with season, mosquito net use, and patient contact. In Chattogram, household repellent use and patient contact were key factors. Diagnostic tests varied in detection capability. These findings can inform targeted intervention strategies and public health messaging, such as promoting personal protection measures and community awareness campaigns, particularly in high-incidence urban settings. However, further research across diverse geographic and socio-ecological contexts is needed to enhance the generalizability and policy relevance of these results.