Knowledge, attitudes and practices of rabies prevention and dog bite injuries in urban and peri-urban provinces in Cambodia, 2009

Abstract

Rabies remains a major public health issue despite the existence of well established prevention and treatment protocols. Knowledge and methods of practice were evaluated in an urban and peri-urban province of Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Kandal, respectively). The majority of respondents (93.2%; 233/250) had heard of the disease rabies, of whom only 77.3% (180/233) knew it was fatal to humans. In addition, only 51.9% (121/233) were aware of the vaccine for dogs. The proportion of the population that reported a dog bite (2004-2009) was similar for Phnom Penh and Kandal. Nearly one-half of all victims (37/75) sought treatment at the Institut Pasteur-Cambodia (IPC) clinic, followed by a private clinic (19/75), a hospital (6/75) and traditional medicine (4/75); 7 victims sought no treatment and 2 reported other. Overall, children aged <15 years reported a significantly greater proportion of dog bite victims than adults aged ≥15 years [10.0% (28/280) vs 4.4% (47/1059), respectively]. Nearly all dog owners agreed to pay for their dogs' vaccination (96.5%; 136/141) and to use a collar (94.3%; 133/141). Only 41.8% (59/141) and 51.8% (73/141) would pay to have their dogs spayed and neutered, respectively. Further community education on the prevention of rabies transmission is needed. Focusing on responsible dog ownership and the importance of both the prevention and immediate treatment following a dog bite is essential to reduce rabies infection in Cambodia.