A cross-sectional study of knowledge regarding rabies among attendees of anti-rabies clinic of a teaching hospital, Jaipur

BACKGROUND: Being a fatal and 100% preventable disease, all efforts must be made by the health system to prevent even a single case of rabies. By assessing the knowledge of people regarding rabies prevention, we can make plans and policies for its prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding rabies among attendees of anti-rabies clinic of a teaching hospital, Jaipur. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among attendees of anti-rabies clinic, Govt. R.D.B.P. Jaipuria hospital, Jaipur from February 2018 to July 2018. A total of 107 participants were included in the study. Data was collected using preformed questionnaire. Continuous data were expressed in mean and standard deviation and count data were expressed in proportion. RESULTS: In our study population, only 22.5% respondents had good knowledge, 56% had fair, and 21.5% had poor knowledge. Fatality of rabies was known to 68.2% of participants. One fourth of the participants knew that rabies is not curable, however, approximately 83% knew that it is preventable. Fifty-six percent of the participants were aware about washing the bite wound with soap and water. Approximately one-third (36%) of the participants knew that it is an infectious disease, however, only 7.5% knew that saliva, vomitus, tear, and urine of rabies patient may have rabies virus. Approximately 15% of the attendees had a wrong concept that a single injection is sufficient for immunization. CONCLUSION: Although this study was done at a teaching hospital, lack of knowledge is still a big issue in urban population as well. This study concludes that knowledge regarding rabies should be highlighted in national programs of India to acknowledge Indian population regarding fatal rabies.