Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions Regarding Rabies Prevention Among Rural Communities in Masaka District, Central Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is mainly transmitted to humans through dog bites. It remains a major public health threat in many Asian and African countries, including Uganda. The main objective of this study was to investigate awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of communities toward human and dog health related to rabies prevention, as well as dog management practices within Masaka district, central Uganda. Data collection involved nine key informant interviews (KIIs) and six focus group discussions (FGDs). Methods used during focus group discussions included qualitative interviews (using open-ended questions), simple ranking, and proportional piling. Data from KIIs and FGDs were analyzed using content analysis in NVivo (version 12.0). This study reveals that community members in the rural settings uses herbal concoctions in replacement or as an alternative to dog vaccination. Furthermore, the study reveals that dogs play the vital roles in the households like as they offer protection to people and household properties, despite being ranked second least among the household animals. The commonest livelihood activity was a small-scale mixed farming. Most of the households kept dogs, but they are ranked at second lowest in terms of economic value among all domestic animals. Free roaming and tethering were the common dog-keeping systems, and home-based feed (food leftovers, bones) was provided mainly to the tethered dogs. Rabies, also locally known as “Eddalu Lyembwa” (that can be translated as “madness of the dogs”), was ranked as the disease of most important among dogs, besides other common diseases such as skin diseases, venereal diseases, worm infestations, and tick infestations. Inadequate vaccination services for both humans and dogs were reported, and dog bite victims traveled a long distance to seek for post-exposure prophylaxis after dog bites. It can be concluded that there is a clear request for periodic mass vaccination campaigns against rabies among dogs, and access to vaccines within reasonable distances by humans after a rabies exposure, but also pre-emptive vaccination for those at high risk, such as veterinarians, needs to be improved.

Balancing the uncertain and unpredictable nature of possible zoonotic disease transmission with the value placed on animals: Findings from a qualitative study in Guinea

“…This finding is in line with previous research on zoonotic disease in other contexts, which identified the high value of animals as a barrier to preventive health behaviors due to the economic impact of those behaviors [23][24][25][26][27]. Consistent with other literature, the current study found that the value individuals ascribe to their animals vary, including protecting the household, providing essential nourishment, and securing financial income [28]. These values may overlap and be somewhat fluid.…”

Households neighboring wildlife protected areas may be at a higher risk of rabies than those located further away: a community-based cross-sectional cohort study at Pian Upe game reserve, Bukedea district, Eastern Uganda

“…In our study, primary level of education, grazing, and fetching firewood in the GR were associated with rabies cases in households near to the GR. Primary level of education may only be associated with less awareness and knowledge about rabies (26). Grazing and fetching firewood in GR might be associated with rabies cases since these practices increase the possibility for wildlife-dog-human interaction (27).…”

Ecological and Socioeconomic Factors in the Occurrence of Rabies: A Forgotten Scenario

“…However, the vaccination of dogs is dependent on the socioeconomic status of the household or the locality. There is a need for rabies education and awareness initiatives including wound treatment (first aid) and PEP, because multiple studies have indicated a knowledge and awareness gap among individuals in LMICs [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Over 65% of Ghanaian respondents to a recent survey held the belief that rabies could be treated with a combination of concoctions, medical herbs, and the eating of offending dog meat [ 44 , 45 ].…”