Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Rabies Prevention and Treatment in Brgy. Gulang-Gulang, Lucena City

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Rabies continues to be a public health problem in the Philippines. The country is one of the top 10 countries with a rabies problem. It is responsible for the deaths of 200 to 300 Filipinos per year. In 2010, 257 died of rabies, and in 2011, 202 deaths were reported. Community participation in rabies control efforts can be multi-faceted. Community members can help participate in rabies control programs, enact local laws, enforce anti-rabies laws and plan and publicize and implement dog vaccination campaigns, dog registration, and stray dog control. Individuals in the community can also report rabies cases and ensure that dog bite victims receive first aid and treatment. Educating the public about the epidemiological features of rabies, as well as simple preventive and precautionary measures, may help protect them and reduce the incidence of rabies. Specifically, community awareness of rabies and responsible behavior of pet owners are key components for prevention. Thus, this study aimed to know the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Brgy. Gulanggulang, as well as to describe peoples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on handling animal bites. Furthermore, the study correlated the people's awareness of handling animal bites to actual practice in order to identify areas that need to be addressed through future health educational program and anti-rabies vaccination.

METHODS

Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the 4, 134 residents of Brgy. Gulang-Gulang, Lucena City wherein 1, 558 Pet Owners and 2,576 Non-Pet Owners. Also, a house to house interview and survey questionnaire were used in gathering the needed data.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents were female with a total number of 2,452 or 59% from 30-39 years old who answered that dogs are the primary reservoirs of rabies. Furthermore, 79% or 3,274 of the respondents answered that after a dog bite, the first action should be washing the wound with soap and water. While, 70% or 2, 389 of the respondents said that pet should be vaccinated annually. However, 97% or 4,039 answered that hospitals are the best venue to ask for help after an incident of a dog biting. In fact, 77% or 2,395 of the respondents admitted that the vaccination status of a pet dog is not implemented during the last one year. Moreover, 84% or 3841 respondents shows that they are in favor of sterilization and disinfection. In terms of their corresponding actions against stray dogs, 54% or 2,430 of respondents suggested the segregation of dogs in the pound.

DISCUSSIONS

The result shows that despite their knowledge on rabies and its medication there is a need for annual vaccination in every Barangay to avoid the increasing rate of rabies victims in the City. Since, residents cannot bring their astray dogs in the Municipal Veterinary Clinic due to their safety, distance and time.