The Relationship of Patient Behaviour to the Occurrence of Dengue Disease in Liquiça Community Health Centre, Liquiça Administrative Post, Liquiça Municipality in 2024

Introduction: Dengue fever is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The disease threatens nearly half the global population, with increasing incidence rates, particularly in areas like Timor-Leste. Understanding the relationship between patient behaviour and the occurrence of dengue is crucial for effective public health strategies.  Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between patient behaviour and the incidence of dengue disease in the Liquiça Community Health Centre, Liquiça Administrative Post, during 2024. It also assesses the connection between patient understanding of dengue and its occurrence.  Method: The research utilised a quantitative cross-sectional design and involved 99 dengue patients treated at the Liquiça Community Health Centre. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, interviews, and observational techniques to gather insights on patient behaviour, awareness, and environmental factors influencing dengue transmission. The Pearson Product-Moment correlation coefficient was employed to analyse the data, determining the strength and direction of relationships between the variables.  Results and Discussion: The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) between behavioural variables and dengue incidence, indicating that increased awareness and preventive measures correlate with lower dengue cases. Approximately 20.25% of the variation in dengue incidence can be attributed to these behavioural factors. The study highlighted significant gaps in health education, with many residents lacking awareness of dengue prevention strategies. Environmental factors, such as stagnant water and inadequate waste management, further exacerbate the risk of dengue outbreaks. The results emphasise the need for targeted health education initiatives to empower community members and promote proactive health behaviours.  Conclusion: The research underscores the critical relationship between patient behaviour and dengue incidence, advocating for enhanced public health interventions focusing on education and community engagement. Health authorities can effectively reduce dengue outbreaks in Timor-Leste by improving knowledge about dengue prevention and fostering a culture of collective responsibility. This study contributes valuable insights for future public health strategies to combat dengue disease.