Awareness and knowledge of canine rabies: A state-wide cross-sectional study in Nigeria

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247523
• Publication Date: 2021-03-03T19:39:42Z
• Authors: Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha; Abubakar A. Tijani; Folashade O. Bami...; Oyewo Muftau; Ahmed Ibrahim; Ibrahim Abdulrahim; Muhammad Shuaib Osu; Grace Kia; Nguku Patrick; Waziri N. Endie
• Keywords: Post-exposure prophylaxis; Cross-sectional study

Rabies is a highly fatal disease that endemic in Nigeria. The poor community awareness and knowledge of canine rabies have thwarted the realization zero deaths from dog mediated human rabies. This study aimed to assess Kwara state. A total 1,460 questionnaires were administered respondents three senatorial zones state using open data kit (ODK) on mobile phones between September 2019 January 2020. rate was 38.1%. mean score 3.78 ± 2.15. Only 10.6% (n = 59/557) had satisfactory Respondents mode transmission, symptoms, prevention, control measures needed eliminate 20.1% owned at least dog. Dog owners 3.85× (95% CI: 2.89, 5.13; p < 0.01) more likely be aware 1.78× 1.22–2.60; 0.003) about than non-dog owners. with tertiary education 6.81× 4.24, 10.92; no formal education. findings this showed very low among residents Mass sensitization populace dangers should intensified. Such interventions targeted general public