Sambo, M., Lembo, T. , Cleaveland, S. , Ferguson, H. , Sikana, L., Simon, C., Urassa, H. and Hampson, K. (2014) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) about rabies prevention and control: a community survey in Tanzania. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 8(12), e3310. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003310) (PMID:25473834) (PMCID:PMC4256472)
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite being entirely preventable,canine rabies still kills 55,000 people/year in developing countries. Information about local beliefs and practices can identify knowledge gaps that may affect prevention practices and lead to unnecessary deaths. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated knowledge, attitudes and practices related to rabies and its prevention and control amongst a cross-section of households (n = 5,141)in urban and rural areas of central, southern and northern Tanzania. Over 17% of respondents owned domestic dogs (average of 2.3 dogs/household), >95% had heard about rabies, and >80% knew that rabies is transmitted through dog bites. People who (1)had greater education,(2)originated from areas with a history of rabies interventions,(3)had experienced exposure by a suspect rabid animal,(4)were male and(5)owned dogs were more likely to have greater knowledge about the disease. Around 80% of respondents would seek hospital treatment after a suspect bite, but only 5% were aware of the need for prompt wound cleansing after a bite. Although >65% of respondents knew of dog vaccination as a means to control rabies, only 51% vaccinated their dogs. Determinants of dog vaccination included(1)being a male-headed household,(2)presence of children,(3)low economic status,(4)residing in urban areas,(5)owning livestock,(6)originating from areas with rabies interventions and(7)having purchased a dog. The majority of dog-owning respondents were willing to contribute no more than US$0.31 towards veterinary services. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We identified important knowledge gaps related to, and factors influencing the prevention and control of rabies in Tanzania. Increasing knowledge regarding wound washing, seeking post-exposure prophylaxis and the need to vaccinate dogs are likely to result in more effective prevention of rabies; however, greater engagement of the veterinary and medical sectors is also needed to ensure the availability of preventative services.
| Item Type: | Articles (Other) |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Lembo, Dr Tiziana and Hampson, Professor Katie and Cleaveland, Professor Sarah and Ferguson, Professor Heather |
| Authors: | Sambo, M., Lembo, T., Cleaveland, S., Ferguson, H., Sikana, L., Simon, C., Urassa, H., and Hampson, K. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases |
| Journal Abbr.: | PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. |
| Publisher: | Public Library of Science |
| ISSN: | 1935-2727 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1935-2735 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2014 2014 Sambo et al. |
| First Published: | First published online in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 8(12):e3310 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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