Awareness of rabies among MBBS interns of a government medical college of North India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a major public health issue across the world. In India, however, it is still regarded as a disease with a low public health priority in the medical community. The disease is completely preventable if comprehensive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is started as soon as possible. The majority of deaths are driven by ignorance and a lack of affordable care. It is quintessential for the medical fraternity to have adequate awareness of rabies and especially among the interns. Objectives of the study were to assess the awareness of interns regarding epidemiology, prevention and management of rabies.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among interns of King George's medical university, Lucknow, U. P. Informed consent was taken, and interns were enrolled. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the awareness regarding the epidemiology, immunization of rabies and animal bite management.Results: Out of the total 160 interns who gave consent, 97% (152) were aware of the transmission mode of the rabies virus, while only a mere 37% (59) knew about the most specific prodromal symptom of rabies. Similarly, although 96% (154) of them knew who required preexposure prophylaxis, only 39% (62) knew the correct preexposure prophylaxis schedule. Regarding the first-aid animal bite treatment, 94% (150) of the interns got the answer right, but just 26% (42) of them knew which animal bite did not require PEP for Rabies in India.Conclusions: There were significant gaps in knowledge regarding animal bite injuries and immunization among interns.