Rabies: Perils and Prevention, an Insight into Practices and Perception in Residents of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: There is a sheer lack of knowledge in treating rabies in Pakistan. To decrease the number of victims every year, immunization and awareness programs are the basic necessities of Pakistani population. The aim of this study was to highlight the lack of learning strategies and how to overcome this problem, so as to eliminate rabies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 692 respondents, aged 8-50 years, in Karachi city of Pakistan from January 2022 to June 2022. The study was based on demographic characteristics and basic knowledge of rabies, mode of transmission, clinical signs, and range of animal host species. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to know the risk factor of rabies among different age groups, marital status, occupation, etc. Results: Results revealed that all the age groups were at risk of the wrong knowledge about rabies, odds = 1.182 and odds = 1.775 for 20-30 and 31-40 years of age, respectively; however, 31-40 years were at the high risk of showing odds=3.597 (95% C.I 1.621-7.983). The correlation of occupation was also checked with rabies knowledge. Only doctors (odds = 1.396) and students (odds = 1.955) showed their unawareness about rabies. Conclusion: This study highlights the grave situation that holds the country in the form of rabies. Through this study we aspire to raise awareness regarding the transmission, spread, and control of rabies.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals regarding rabies in tertiary care hospitals: A cross-sectional study in Peshawar, Pakistan

“…The observed disparity in understanding the transmission of rabies via water that has been polluted is in line with prior investigations conducted by Shaikh et al, (2023) [ 35 , 36 ]. Implementing awareness programs focused on this transmission mechanism can potentially boost the general understanding of House Officers and Paramedics.…”

“…The notion of the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment holds promise, yet there are notable gaps that need to be addressed. It is imperative to prioritize effective supply chain management to ensure consistent access to ARVs [ 33 , 36 ]. The divergence in perspectives regarding rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) scheduling may necessitate additional training and guidance.…”

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“…The observed disparity in understanding the transmission of rabies via water that has been polluted is in line with prior investigations conducted by Shaikh et al, (2023) [35,36]. Implementing awareness programs focused on this transmission mechanism can potentially boost the general understanding of House Officers and Paramedics.…”

“…The notion of the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment holds promise, yet there are notable gaps that need to be addressed. It is imperative to prioritize effective supply chain management to ensure consistent access to ARVs [33,36]. The divergence in perspectives regarding rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) scheduling may necessitate additional training and guidance.…”

Untitled

“…The observed disparity in understanding the transmission of rabies via water that has been polluted is in line with prior investigations conducted by Shaikh et al, (2023) [35,36]. Implementing awareness programs focused on this transmission mechanism can potentially boost the general understanding of House Officers and Paramedics.…”