Abstract
Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients attending the general outpatient department in Malda Medical College about rabies. Methods: A structured questionnaire was answered by 161 participants. The KAP score was calculated according to the response of the participant. Results: Compared to adults, children in the 10-15year age group scored much less in all components of rabies prevention and post exposure management. Conclusion: There was lack of awareness about post exposure prophylaxis of rabies in children. Awareness campaigns especially focusing on children are required to provide better medical care.
Highlights
This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients attending the general outpatient department in Malda Medical College about rabies
Compared to adults, children in the 10-15year age group scored much less in all components of rabies prevention and post exposure management
Awareness campaigns especially focusing on children are required to provide better medical care
Summary
Annual deaths caused by rabies in India during 2001-2003 is shown in Table 1.1 The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence, Government of India, has published that in the year 2016 a total of eighty six people died due to rabies in India. In West Bengal, forty seven people died due to rabies in the same year.[2] Malda is located near the Bangladesh border in West Bengal, India. Most human deaths due to rabies are dog mediated. Human deaths due to rabies are largely seen in rural areas in communities with poor socio-economic status. The main reason for human deaths is lack of awareness among people about the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies is a nearly hundred percent vaccine preventable disease. Awareness about rabies and anti-rabies vaccine can make a significant contribution in eliminating rabies.[3]
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