Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices About Rabies Prevention and Associated Factors in Wolaita Sodo City, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a fatal viral zoonotic disease which causes encephalitis in many warm-blooded animals and humans. It is an incurable disease once the clinical signs appear. However, it can be prevented via vaccination and community awareness. This study was therefore designed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about rabies prevention and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo city, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2022. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed for selection of sample unit and data were collected from 423 households by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire. Data were entered to Microsoft Excel and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. The frequency distribution of both dependent and independent variables were worked out by using descriptive statistics technique (frequency, mean, SD and percentage). Association between independent variables and KAP scores on rabies was calculated using Pearson's Chi square. Variables having p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 423 respondents interviewed, 256(60.5%) were males and 167(39.5%) females. The majority of the respondents 145(34.3%) were diploma and above on educational status. Almost all of the respondents indicated that they had previously heard about rabies. Out of 423 interviewed respondants 228(53.9%) had good level of KAP on rabies. There was strong association between KAP scores and sex (χ2=40.811, p<0.05); age (χ2=82.917, p<0.05); educational level (χ2=241.782, p<0.05); occupation (χ2=276.558, p<0.05); household size (χ2=49.176, p<0.05) and dog ownership (χ2=143.619, p<0.05). Conclusion: Generally, these findings indicate that the Wolaita Sodo city community has good KAP score about rabies. However, raising the community awareness through continuous education, increase knowledge regarding wound washing, seeking post exposure prophylaxis and the need to vaccinate dogs, provision of pre and post exposure vaccines and creating rapid means of communications are suggested. Thus, close collaboration of public health, veterinary sector and local authorities is a key element for preventing this fatal incurable disease.