A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Rabies Prevention and Post Exposure Care Among Adults an a Selected Area of Kannur District
Muhammed Ansab T1, Muhammed Bilal1, Nandana Sasi1, Nandhana AneeshKumar1, Nidu Prakash1, Niha Fathima1, Nihala Jasmin1, Ms. Little Flower.P2*, Prof. Dr. J. Sathya Shenbaga Priya3
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to assess the level of knowledge regarding rabies prevention and post exposure care among adults in a selected area. The main objectives of the study were to assess the level of knowledge regarding rabies prevention and post exposure care among Adults and to find out the association between the level of knowledge and their selected demographic variables. A quantitative descriptive research approach was adopted for the study.The study was conducted in selected areas of Kannur district. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 50 adults who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge regarding rabies prevention and post exposure care. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and Inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, median, and Standard deviation were used to describe selected variables and knowledge levels. Inferential statistics using the chi-square test were applied to determine the association between knowledge levels and selected variables. The finding revealed that the majority 52% of adults had adequate knowledge, 48% of adults had moderate knowledge and none had inadequate knowledge regarding rabies prevention and post exposure care. There is a significant association between the level of knowledge and selected variables such as educational status and occupation. However, there is no significant association was found between the level of knowledge and other selected variables including age, gender, religion, type of family, pet ownership, history of dog bite, previous anti-rabies vaccination and prior knowledge regarding rabies vaccine. The findings of the study highlight the existing level of knowledge among Adults and emphasize the need for health education programs to improve awareness regarding rabies prevention and timely post exposure care, thereby reducing the risk of rabies-related morbidity and mortality.
Keywords:
Knowledge, Rabies prevention, post exposure care, Adults
