Abstract

Rabies is an important zoonotic disease, primarily of warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, jackals and wolves. 99% of death by rabies are caused by dog bites. Low socio-economic communities are affected mostly by this neglected tropical disease, which is 100% fatal but at the same time, entirely preventable. Objectives of the study are to assess knowledge regarding the modes of transmission of rabies, immediate management of animal bites and importance of vaccination amongst study population. Methods: This community based, observational cross-sectional study was carried out in urban region of Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. Out of 45 wards, 10 wards were selected randomly through lottery system. Then, from each ward 31/32 households were selected by systematic random sampling. Study population included 314 households. From each household 1 person aged >18 years were interviewed after taking consent, using a semi- structured questionnaire which included information regarding socio-demographic profile and knowledge about the Rabies and animal bites management. Data was entered in Microsoft excel and analysed by using SPSS version 20 Appropriate statistical tests were applied and results were obtained. Results: 81.3% heard about rabies. 97.3 % of the participants were aware that stray dogs can transmit rabies and only 10% participants were aware that cows can also transmit rabies. 50.6% of the participants knew, transmission can occur only through the bite (single or multiple transdermal) of animals. 43.5% would wash the wound with soap and running water, out of which 17.1% knew that wound washing with running water should be done up to 15 minutes. Knowledge regarding rabies was found to be significantly associated with the education status of the participants. Conclusion: Awareness programmes imparting knowledge among general population regarding transmission of rabies and its prevention is need of the hour for elimination of rabies.

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