A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Rabies Among Residents of Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Objectives: The main aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Kabul City residents towards Rabies. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out from September to December 2022. Eight of the 22 districts of Kabul city were selected, and after oral consent was obtained, 400 questionnaires were filled out. The data were analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS software. Results: The results of the present study showed that 85% of the sample population have heard the name Rabies while, only 46% of them had information about the disease. Three-fourths of the participants knew that Rabies is transmitted by a suspected dog bite. Furthermore, only half of the interviewees knew that Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Likewise, pet animal vaccination practice against Rabies was poor among dog and cat owners. Conclusion: It is concluded that community awareness and animal vaccination practice about the disease was poor especially, in the illiterate population of the city. A comprehensive awareness campaign across the country is needed to enhance community awareness regarding Rabies.