Interpretation
Table 1
Most of the the respondents (93.3%) reported heard about rabies, while (6.7%) had not. This
indicates that awareness of rabies is high, while a small percentage still remains unaware.
Recent finding emphasize that while general awareness about rabies is high globally, reaching the
last 10% of the population is important to achieving rabies elimination goals by 2030, as targeted
by WHO's initiative
Hampson, Katie, et al. "Progress Toward Rabies Elimination: The Last Mile." The Lancet Global
Health, 2021.
Table 2
Based on the table, all the respondents are knew that rabies could cause death, The complete
awareness about rabies suggests successful communication of its severity among the public.
WHO stresses the importance of recognizing rabies as fatal but its preventable through timely
intervention.
World Health Organization (WHO). Rabies Vaccines: WHO Position Paper – April 2021. Geneva:
WHO, 2021.
Table 3
Based on the findings, that 50% said other animals, 46.7% identified dogs, and 3.3% did not
know. There is an almost even spilt between respondents identifying dogs and other animals as
rabies carries, showing a partial misinformation or last of emphasis on dogs being the primary
transmitter of rabies.
Studies shows that 99% of human rabies cases are caused by domestic dog bites, emphasizing
the need to strengthen knowledge specifically around animal bite.
Wallace, Ryan M., et al. "Dog-Mediated Human Rabies: Current Status and Prevention
Challenges.
Table 4
Based on the table, that only 26.7% answered yes, 33.3% answered no, and 40% did not know.
There is a significant uncertainty about the safety of administering of rabies vaccine during
pregnancy, which could lead to delays in essential treatment.
WHO comfirms that rabies vaccine are safe and recommend even during pregnancy, as the risk of
untreated exposure outweighs vaccine-concerns.
World Health Organization (WHO). United Against Rabies Forum Report 2022. Geneva: WHO,
2022.
Table 5
According to the table, 86.7% responded yes, while 6.7% each said no or didn't know. The
majority o fthe respondents understand the preventive value of the rabies vaccine, which is
positve for promoting vaccination uptake.
According to the study they reaffirms that public trust is the efficacy of rabies vaccines is central
to ensuring prompt post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) uptake after animal bites.
Abela-Ridder, Bernadette, et al. "Global Strategies to Eliminate Dog-Mediated Rabies." PLOS
Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2024.
Table 6
Based on the result, 70% knew about the tetanus vaccines, and 30% did not. While most
respondents are aware of the importance of tetanus vaccination post bite, a notable portion 30%
is still unware, representing a potential gap in integrated animal bite management knowledge.
This study recommends including tetanus prevention education in animal bite management
programs, especially where rabies and tetanus risks overlap.
Boeras, Debrah, et al. "Integrating Tetanus Education into Animal Bite Response." Infectious
Disease Reports, 2020.
Table 7
On the table, 76.7% had not aware in ARS and only 23.3% had heard about it. Awareness about
Anti Rabies Serum, a vital part of rabies post exposure treatment in severe cases, is low among
respondents.
According to the study that knowledge of rabies of rabies immunoglobulin (ARS) administration
remains critically low in many populations, which impedes effective treatment of category III
exposures.
Wallace, Ryan M., et al. "Dog-Mediated Human Rabies: Current Status and Prevention
Challenges." WHO Bulletin, 2023.
Table 8
Based on the table, 56.7% associated to agression, 26.7% excessive salivation, and small
percentages identified other symptoms. Most of the respondents could recognize major clinical
signs of rabid animals, but there is room to enhance awareness regarding to the full symptoms.
A recent study found that public recognition of aggressive behavior and excessive salivation is
generally hign, but broader symptom education is needed for full identification of rabid animals.
Gilbert, Aline T., et al. "Public Recognition of Rabid Animal Behavior." Journal of Infectious
Diseases, 2022.
Table 9
Based on the result, 46.7% knew that scratch, lick, and bite over broken skin could transmit
rabies. Meaning there is relatively good understanding of various transmission routes although
6.7% stll lacked awareness.
A previous study emphasizes that evem minor exposures like scratches over broken skin can
transmit the rabies virus, requiring urgent first aid and vaccine.
Table 10
The table shows that 36.7% answered 1-3months (correct), but many were unsure or incorrect.
Knowledge of the incubation period is mixed, which may delay recognition of rabies risk post
exposure.
Recent literature confirms that understanding typical incubation periods can help individuals and
healthcare providers recognize the need for immediate post exposure prophylaxis even of
symptoms are not present.
World Health Organization (WHO). United Against Rabies Forum Report 2022. Geneva: WHO,
2022.
Table 11
Based on the table, 53.3% identified washing with soap and running water, while 43.3% added
alcohol and iodine application. Meaning most of the respondents are aware of the steps after a
bite, which alligns with recommended practices.
WHO stresses that immediate wound washing with soap and running water is the most effective
first aid against rabies, preventing virus establishment at the site of entry.
World Health Organization (WHO). Rabies Vaccines: WHO Position Paper – April 2021. Geneva:
WHO, 2021.
Table 12
Based on the result, 46.7% answered 4 doses, 36.7% answered 3 and 16.7% said 5 doses.
Meaning there are considerable confusion about the number of vaccine doses required under
the updated PEP schedule.
WHO guidelines, a four dose PEP schedule is recommended, indicating a need for updating public
information campaigns regarding to correct vaccination schedule.
World Health Organization (WHO). United Against Rabies Forum Report 2022. Geneva: WHO,
2022.
Table 13
Most of the respondents 86.7% indicated both government and private hospitals. Meaning
accessibility awareness is high, whick supports effective treatment seeking behaviors.
Access to PEPE in both government and public sectors is vital for universal coverage, as stress by
WHO.
World Health Organization (WHO). United Against Rabies Forum Report 2022. Geneva: WHO,
2022.
Table 14
Majority of the respondents 63.3% suggested observing the animal for symptoms of rabies.
Meaning majority understand that quarantiting and observing the animal is important to assess
rabies risk.
CBC rabies control recommendations emphasize that observing biting animals for 10days is the
best practice in risk management.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Rabies Control: Animal Observation
Guidelines." 2022.
Table 15
Most of the respondents 90% chose regular vaccination. Meaning public support for mass dog
vaccination is very strong among respondents, which is critical for effective rabies control.
A recent study reaffirms that consistent dog vaccination coverage of at least 70% is the key
strategy to eliminate dog rabies.
Abela-Ridder, Bernadette, et al. "Global Strategies to Eliminate Dog-Mediated Rabies." PLOS
Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2024.
Links
Hampson, Katie, et al. "Accelerating Rabies Elimination in Africa by 2030." *The Lancet*, 2024.
[Link] https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(24)02141-X/abstract
World Health Organization (WHO). *Rabies Vaccines: WHO Position Paper – April 2018*. Geneva:
WHO, 2018. [Link] https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer9316
Wallace, Ryan M., et al. "Dog-Mediated Human Rabies: Current Status and Prevention
Challenges." *WHO Bulletin*, 2023. [Link] https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-
tropical-diseases/rabies/elimination-of-rabies-as-a-public-health-problem
World Health Organization (WHO). *United Against Rabies Forum 2022 Review*. Geneva: WHO,
2022. [Link] https://www.unitedagainstrabies.org/governance-policies/united-against-rabies-
forum-2022-review/
Abela-Ridder, Bernadette, et al. "New Global Strategic Plan to Eliminate Dog-Mediated Rabies by
2030." *WHO Newsroom*, 2018. [Link]
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/new-global-strategic-plan-to-eliminate-
dog-mediated-rabies-by-2030
Boeras, Debrah, et al. "Integrating Tetanus Education into Animal Bite Response." *Infectious
Disease Reports*, 2020. [Link] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448076/
Gilbert, Aline T., et al. "Public Recognition of Rabid Animal Behavior." *Journal of Infectious
Diseases*, 2022. [Link] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448076/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Zoonotic Exposures: Bites, Scratches, and
Other Hazards." *CDC Yellow Book*, 2024. [Link]
https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/zoonotic-exposures.html
