Knowledge And Attitude Regarding Rabies Prevention Among Adults Residing Under The Field Areas Of Medical College Health Unit, Pangappara

ABSTRACT Rabies has been one among the most dreaded diseases to man since antiquity. The present study was intended to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding rabies prevention among adults residing under the field areas of Medical College Health Unit, Pangappara. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding rabies prevention, to assess the practice regarding rabies prevention, to find out the correlation between knowledge and attitude and to find out the association between knowledge of adults regarding rabies prevention with sociodemographic variables. The research approach adopted for the study was quantitative and the data was collected from 408 participants. The study design was cross sectional design and participants were selected using cluster sampling technique. Socio demographic data and the knowledge were assessed using an interview schedule, attitude and practice were assessed using a five point Likert scale and a checklist respectively. Data analysis was carried out using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 47.1% had good knowledge,28.4% had average knowledge and 24.5% had poor knowledge regarding rabies prevention and 38% of adults had positive attitude,36% had uncertain attitude and 26% had negative attitude towards rabies prevention,45.9% reported good practice after an animal bite. The study revealed that there was a moderate positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.443 and p < 0.05) and there was a significant association between knowledge of adults regarding rabies prevention with age, socio economic status and adults participation status in rabies prevention campaign. The study concludes the necessity for preventing the mortality by dog mediated Rabies.