Community Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Viral Disease Outbreaks in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background: The frequency and scale of viral disease outbreaks are increasing globally, with communities in sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately affected due to structural, social, and health-system vulnerabilities. Community knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) play a critical role in outbreak prevention, control, and response. This study assessed KAP related to viral disease outbreaks among adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, following recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, Mpox, and Marburg virus disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 adult visitors attending Muhimbili National Hospital between October and November 2025. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of viral disease transmission and treatment, intended preventive practices, sources of health information, stigma-related attitudes, and vaccine perceptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square ( Results: General awareness of viral disease outbreaks was high (87.5%); however, substantial gaps were identified in specific knowledge. Only 33.7% of participants correctly recognized that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, and fewer than half (46.2%) rejected the misconception that viral diseases are spread only by foreigners. A notable belief-action gap was observed regarding vaccination: Although 71.2% believed vaccines are effective, only 59.6% expressed willingness to be vaccinated. Stigmatizing attitudes were prevalent, with 81.7% of respondents reporting discomfort with welcoming a recovered outbreak survivor into their home. Social media platforms were the primary source of outbreak-related information (51.9%), whereas official national public health communication channels were among the least utilized (22.1%). Knowledge levels showed no significant association with sociodemographic characteristics; however, lower educational attainment was significantly associated with higher levels of stigma ( Conclusion: Despite high general awareness of viral disease outbreaks, this study identifies critical weaknesses in specific knowledge, persistent stigma, and vaccine hesitancy that pose challenges for urban healthcare-seeking populations in Dar es Salaam. These findings underscore the need for a strategic shift from broad awareness campaigns to precision public health interventions, including targeted myth-busting, community-led anti-stigma initiatives, and proactive digital engagement to address misinformation, build trust, and strengthen collective outbreak response.