Factors influencing delay in initiating post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies prevention among animal bite victims: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the delay and the factors associated with delay in initiating post exposure prophylaxis. Methods: A consecutive sampling method was proceeded, and 199 patients attending the anti-rabies clinic with a history of animal bite reported at SMHS Hospital were the subjects of the study. Results: Majority of the patients (72.36%) reported a delay within 6 h after exposure, 18.59% within (6-48) h and 9.04% after 48 h of exposure. Conclusion: Increasing the number of accessible anti-rabies clinics as well as increasing the awareness among general public about timely post exposure prophylaxis in the community are some of the factors that need to be implemented.

Keywords

• post-exposure prophylaxis
• prevention and control
• rabies