Factors associated to rabies preventive behaviors among people in sikhoraphum district surin province

Abstract

Rabies is a life-threatening infectious disease, and despite ongoing efforts, fatalities from the disease are still reported each year. This cross-sectional analytical study investigates the factors related to rabies prevention behaviors among residents of Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province. The study involved 342 participants selected using multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 0.7. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the factors related to rabies prevention behaviors through multiple linear regression, with the stepwise method. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. The study found that 53.2% of the participants owned pets, and 49.4% had been bitten or scratched. Factors significantly associated with rabies prevention behaviors included decision-making skills in rabies prevention and control, self-management skills for rabies prevention, gender, and unemployment (P<0.05). These factors together explained 45.6% of the variance in rabies prevention behaviors. The most influential factor was decision-making skills in rabies prevention and control, with an effect size of 0.47. Therefore, relevant agencies should conduct educational training, particularly regarding rabies vaccination, targeting specific groups based on gender and employment status. Additionally, they should develop programs to enhance decision-making and self-management skills for effective rabies prevention in accordance with strategic plans.