Background: Rabies, a fatal and neglected zoonotic disease, is reported from each and every part of India. Although rabies has been endemic and causes substantial loss, minimal community based studies have been conducted to understand the epidemiology of rabies.
Objectives: The overall objective of this research was to have a better understanding of the epidemiology of rabies focussing on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of rabies andits control measures among the rural population.
Material &Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 households having 1332individualsin rural population of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. A pre-designed, pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and to assess knowledge, attitudes andpracticesof rabies andits controlmeasures.
Results: Among all the respondents, there was a high level of awareness (85.2%) that dog is the most common reservoir of rabies. Majority of the study subjects stated that the disease is fatal (73.3%) and that rabies can be prevented by vaccination (83.3%). However knowledge of study subjects about proper wound management was suboptimal. Only about 23% of the subjects had the knowledge regarding proper wound management. Out of the 28 subjects, who themselves or any of their family members, were bitten by dog during last one year, 24 of them sought treatment and got vaccinated when recommended.
Conclusion: The study reveals that the level of awareness regarding rabies and its control measures were satisfactory. However awareness regarding wound management needs to be enhanced through community based intervention and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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