Rabies menace and control - An insight into knowledge, attitude and practices

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Limited community-based epidemiological research exists on rabies prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• This study addresses the gap by investigating rabies awareness in an urban slum setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning rabies prevention and control.
• To identify factors influencing rabies prevention behaviors in an urban slum population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data was collected from a random sample of 200 individuals using a pre-tested questionnaire.

Main Results:

• While most participants knew rabies transmits via dog bites, awareness of transmission through scratches/licks was low (23%).
• Only 40% recognized rabies as fatal; 66% would wash wounds post-bite, but only 55.5% knew about post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine).
• Inadequate first aid and reliance on unconventional methods were noted.

Conclusions:

• Rabies awareness and control measure knowledge are insufficient in the studied community.
• Lack of health education, inaccessible treatment, and limited community engagement hinder effective rabies control efforts.