ABSTRACT

Objective: From December 2013 to March 7, 2015, a total of 22 283 confirmed/probable cases and 863 207 suspected cases of Chikungunya (CHIKV) were reported in the Caribbean (1). More information regarding symptoms and protection factors is necessary to accurately inform the public and have effective case management. The purpose of this study was to assess age group differences with respect to CHIKV symptoms and explore protection differences of people who have and have not had CHIKV.

Methods: A cross-sectional study sampling 154 participants was conducted from April to May 2015. Participants completed a 37-item questionnaire and were recruited from public places and at a local retirement association in Grenada.

Results: Knee joint pain (p < 0.05) and persisting symptoms (rash p < 0.05, muscle pain p < 0.005, ankle joint pain, p < 0.05) were statistically significant for all age groups. No statistical difference was found for taking precautions before and after the outbreak for those who did and did not have CHIKV. However, precaution comparisons for the home (p < 0.001) and work (p < 0.001) environments showed significant non-change before and after the outbreak.

Conclusion: This study found that age was a factor for symptom development and persistence, and resistance to behaviour change is an important factor for future epidemic responses and intervention studies.