Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice On Animal Bite, Rabies, and Its Prevention In the Rural Community in Western Uttar Pradesh: A Cross Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47203/IJCH.2025.v37i02.016Keywords:
Rabies, Animal Bite, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Rural Community, Prevention, Uttar PradeshAbstract
Background: Rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease, poses a major public health challenge in rural India, where frequent animal bites and limited preventive measures contribute to high mortality. India reports the highest global rabies-related deaths, particularly among low socio-economic rural populations. Poor awareness, dependence on traditional remedies, and inadequate healthcare response worsen the issue. Aim & Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding animal bites, rabies, and its prevention among rural communities in Western Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages under the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai. A total of 200 randomly selected adult residents were interviewed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering demographics and KAP related to rabies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Among participants, 87% knew that animal bites can transmit rabies, but only 26% were aware of correct first aid. Post-exposure, 61.5% received the anti-rabies vaccine, while only 38.5% received rabies immunoglobulin. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness of rabies, significant gaps exist in correct practices and post-exposure care. Strengthening community education and healthcare accessibility is essential to reduce rabies-related morbidity and mortality.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Anurag Verma, Sandip Kumar, Dhiraj Kumar Srivastava, Anshul Kumar, Shivali Singh, Arunima Sharma
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