Knowledge and behavior of rabies prevention in confirmed animal rabies area, Heath Region 4, 2019

Abstract

In the Health Region 4, there has been no human rabies cases reported for more than 10 years. However, there are still cases of rabies reported in animals. This may increase the risk of occurrence of rabies in human. This survey research is a cross-sectional study in 32 target areas (purposive sampling) in 5 provinces in Heath Region 4 including Nonthaburi. Pathumthani, Phranakornsri Ayutthaya, Saraburi, and Nakornnayok were the provinces from which the animal rabies cases were reported from 2018 to 2019. There were 977 people (accidental sampling) who participated in the knowledge survey of rabies and data was analyzed by descriptive statistics (percentage). There was a 3:1 female to male ratio in the survey participants. The age group was 25-64 years and the most common occupation was private office worker. The first 3 points of misunderstanding were:1) Puppies under the age of 3 months don’t get infected with rabies. 2) Rabies is not a deadly disease for infected humans.3) Rather than being treated with mandatory rabies vaccination, people thought that bites or scratches could be treated otherwise. The misunderstandings, that puppies and kittens can’t be infected with rabies, were the reason for lack of rabies vaccination that increased the risk to humans. In this way, health care workers will teach about the risks of rabies. The Department of Disease Control will introduce the slogan “If an animal bites or scratches, treat the bitten wound properly and GIVE RABIES VACINATION, also quarantine the animal for observation” to people and the government public relations organization.