IJCM_306A: Patient compliance towards Post exposure Prophylaxis with Anti Rabies Vaccine - Hospital based study

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system. The components of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis involve wound treatment, Rabies Immune Globulin, and the anti-rabies vaccine. Proper compliance with the rabies vaccination schedule is crucial to prevent development of Rabies Objectives: 1) To assess prevalence of non-compliance and delayed compliance towards post-exposure prophylaxis of the anti-rabiess vaccine of GMC, Jammu 2) To study factors associated with and reasons of delayed compliance and non-compliance towards post-exposure prophylaxis of the anti-rabies vaccine of GMC, Jammu Methodology: A cross- sectional study was carried out from September 2022 to July 2023 on 594 animal bite victims presenting to OPD of the anti-rabies clinic of GMC, Jammu for the first time, with category 2 and 3 bites were included Results: Males were about 76.9%, and females, 23.1%. Graduates were 29.3%. Animal bites were mainly from stray dogs (58.2%), with category three wounds (93.8%). Wound washing practices were done by 540 (90.9%), about 58 (9.8%) had used only water and about 482 (81.1%) had used only soap and water for wound washing. 71.7% completed the full course of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), 24.6% showed delayed compliance, and 3.7% were non-compliant or dropouts. Delayed compliance was observed on the second (35%), third (42.4%), and fourth doses (22.6%). Reasons for delayed compliance included distant residence, loss of wages, and forgetfulness. Non-compliance reasons included negligence and health issues. No socio- demographic factors showed an association with compliance with ARV. Conclusion: The urgent need to increase awareness and counseling for individuals bitten by animals. Special attention is crucial for promptly administering Anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin in severe cases (category 3 bites) to prevent rabies