Knowledge, attitude and practice study on dog bite and its management among population in a rural community of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Awareness of dog bite-related rabies in rural population of developing countries, including India, can lead to reduction in mortality from dog bite. The present study was conducted to know the general awareness pertaining to dog bite and rabies, antirabies vaccines, and health services utilization in a rural community. Also, to ascertain the first-aid measures adopted after dog bite and to know the opinion regarding control of dog population. Methods: The study was conducted as a community-based cross-sectional study in the rural field practice area of a Medical College in Western Maharashtra among the age group of 30–40 years using pretested questionnaire. Results: A total of 108 respondents participated in the study. Of the study participants, 37 (34.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.3%–44%) participant were aware of rabies. Only 19 (17.59%, 95% CI: 11%–26.1%) participants were aware of the symptoms of rabies. Only 20 (18.5%, 95% CI: 11.7%–27.1%) participants would like to apply first-aid measure and 85 (78.7%, 95% CI: 69.8%–86%) participants will visit to doctor, and rest responded as doing nothing. Of the participants, 66 (61.11%, 95% CI: 51.3%–70.3%) were aware of antirabies vaccine and 77 (71.1%, 95% CI: 61.8%–79.6%) responded that dogs should be caught and taken away from locality, whereas the rest responded that dogs should be sterilized as a control measure. Conclusions: The gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice with respect to prevention and control of rabies need to be addressed by educating the rural population. The present study reflects the need for making the rural population aware about the disease, vaccination, and first aid.