Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Of Canine Rabies among Inhabitants of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

To determine the degree of KAP and awareness of animal-human transmission of rabies, a survey was designed among dog owners and inhabitants of Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 315 inhabitants of the Addis Ababa city at house-hold level. A simple random sampling was used to select the study subject and accordingly the eligible individuals were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to observe the frequency of Focal Group Discussion (FGD) at house-hold level. A total of 315 study subjects were interviewed. Out of which, 73.3% were male and the rest are female dog owners. Majorities of the household (91%) have the knowledge of rabies and only 26.9% dog owner’s exercise regular dog vaccination. Among all interviewed house-holds, 71% were considered themselves at risk of rabies. There is no significant difference of knowledge of rabies by sex, age and education (p>0.05). Even though the majority of the communities have good KAP about rabies, very few have got their dog vaccinated keeping the community at the verge of risk. It is hoped that findings of this study improves our understanding of the problem of the disease and can serve as an important input in the design of education campaign that targets at alleviating the problem of rabies in the city