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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding rabies in Filipinos following implementation of the Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination Programme

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding rabies in Bohol, Philippines were assessed following introduction of the Bohol Rabies Prevention and Elimination Programme. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 460 households chosen utilizing the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization coverage cluster survey technique with population proportionate to size. Scores for KAP were evaluated using linear regression. The majority of households had heard of rabies (94%); however, specific knowledge of rabies was limited. Only 18% knew to report a suspected rabid dog to the authorities. In multivariate analyses, having known someone with rabies had the greatest effect on knowledge scores. Employment (professional or non-professional) had the greatest effect on attitudes scores, and only the knowledge score was significantly associated with higher practices scores. Several factors, notably, personal experience with rabies, affect KAP in Bohol. The programme should continue to focus on education and include personal accounts to underscore why rabies prevention and control is so important.

Source: Epidemiology and Infection

DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813002513

Authors: S. L. DAVLIN, S. M. LAPIZ, M. E. MIRANDA, K. O. MURRAY

Institutions: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Baylor College of Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Rabies epidemiology and control

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UBS Optimus Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development