Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards rabies prevention among residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rabies is a fatal neglected zoonosis killing 55,000 people worldwide annually. It is endemic in Nigeria with 10,000 people exposed annually through dog-bites. To inform adequate intervention due to the rise in reported dog-bite cases, we assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). METHODS: we carried out a cross-sectional study among 224 residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council. We used structured questionnaires to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes on rabies prevention. Knowledge score of ≥ 8 points based on ten-point domain questions were regarded as satisfactory. We analyzed data using Epi-Info and Excel for frequencies and proportions and associations were determined at 5% significance level. RESULTS: a total of 123 (55%) respondents owned dogs. One hundred and eighty-four (82%) respondents had satisfactory knowledge on rabies prevention. About 87% knew where to get dogs vaccinated and would seek medical treatment from the hospital when bitten by a dog. Majority (58%) did not know the frequency of anti-rabies administration for dogs and 63.3% did not know the appropriate first aid actions following dog-bites. Of 123 dog owners, 35% would allow their dogs roam without restriction and 94% reported vaccinating their dogs against rabies. Dog owners were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge of rabies compared to non-dog owners (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.0-62.0, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: knowledge on rabies is satisfactory but with knowledge gaps in the frequency of dog anti-rabies vaccination, appropriate first-aid following dog bites and non-restriction of dog movement. To prevent rabies, these knowledge gaps need to be addressed through public enlightenment and enforcement of dog movement restrictions laws.

Keywords

• knowledge
• attitude
• practice
• rabies
• dog-bite