Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices related to dog-mediated rabies in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies from inception to 2023

Woldegeorgis, Beshada Zerfu; Genebo, Amanuel Paulos; Gebrekidan, Amanuel Yosef; Kassie, Gizachew Ambaw; Azeze, Gedion Asnake; Asgedom, Yordanos Sisay

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1276859

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Our approach to modelling dog owners’ overall understanding of rabies as a latent variable was novel and robust. It offered an advancement over previous studies on rabies that modelled rabies knowledge or understanding using observed data [ 52 ]. This is because knowledge is always latent and can never be fully measured [ 53 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study

Mshelbwala,

Wangdi,

Bunting-Graden

et al. 2024

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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Annually, Sierra Leone records an estimated 301 human fatalities due to rabies. Canine vaccination is crucial for rabies prevention and control efforts. However, considerable variability exists in vaccination rates. Reasons for this variation remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study across 2,558 dog-owning households (HHs) to provide insights into factors influencing canine vaccination for targeted prevention and control towards elimination by 2030. First, we described dog ownership practices, then built a probabilistic model to understand factors associated with dog vaccination, and finally used a spatial scan statistic to identify spatial clusters where vaccination rates were low. Our results indicated that only 14% (358/2,558) of participating HHs had fully vaccinated their dogs against rabies. The probability of dog vaccination increased when comparing civil servants to private workers/artisans, with an Odds Ratio(OR) of 1.14 (95% credible interval (Crl) of 0.82–1.56), residing in locations with a veterinary establishment vs. none (OR = 6.43, 95% Crl (4.97–8.35), providing care to dogs vs. allowing dogs to roam freely (OR = 2.38, 95% Crl(1.80–3.17) and owning a single dog vs multiple dogs (OR = 1.20, 95 Crl (0.92–1.56). Conversely, there was a decrease in the estimated probability of vaccination when comparing dog owners located in rural vs. urban areas (OR = 0.58, CrI 95% (0.43–0.78). Latent understanding, a measure of overall understanding of rabies virus, which we estimated using participant education levels and responses to questions about rabies epidemiology, was also an important predictor of vaccination probability (OR = 1.44, 95% Crl (1.04, 2.07). The spatial analysis identified high-risk clusters for low vaccination in the cities of Mayamba, with a radius of 40 km, a relative risk (RR) of 1.10, and Bo, with a radius of 19.9 km with RR of 1.11. These data do not support Sierra Leone reaching the 2030 goal of human rabies elimination caused by dogs. Our study highlights a critical need for public outreach and education, improved vaccination rates, increased accessibility to veterinary services, and targeted interventions in Bo and Mayamba to support rabies prevention and control efforts.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study

Mshelbwala,

Wangdi,

Bunting-Graden

et al. 2024

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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“…A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies on dog-mediated rabies in Ethiopia by Woldegeorgis et al (2023) highlights the critical gaps in attitudes and prevention practices, despite some level of knowledge about the disease Their study underscores the need for country-wide, cross-sectoral collaboration to realize global elimination strategies for dog-mediated human rabies. The findings reflect a broader trend in African epidemiology, where community engagement and education play a pivotal role in disease prevention and control.…”

Section: Epidemiological Practices In African Public Health Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiological statistical methods: A comparative review of their implementation in public health studies in the USA and Africa

Tolulope O Olorunsogo,

Jane Osareme Ogugua,

Muridzo Muonde

et al. 2024

World J. Adv. Res. Rev.

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This scholarly exploration delves into the realm of epidemiological statistical methods, juxtaposing their application within the distinct public health landscapes of the United States and Africa. The study's core objective was to dissect and compare the evolution, effectiveness, and adaptability of these methods across these diverse regions, thereby enriching the understanding of global health dynamics. Embracing a qualitative methodology, the study employed advanced analytical tools and AI technologies, ensuring a thorough examination of data, and facilitating a nuanced comparative analysis. The findings reveal a marked evolution in the United States, characterized by a shift from traditional epidemiological approaches to more sophisticated, data-driven techniques. In contrast, African epidemiological practices emphasized community engagement and education in disease prevention, gradually pivoting towards non-communicable diseases and mental health. The study also illuminated the critical role of technology in modern epidemiological research, enhancing efficiency and broadening the scope of investigations. Furthermore, it highlighted the significant impact of international policies on epidemiological methods and underscored the dynamic interplay between technology and policy in shaping public health strategies. Conclusively, this study not only achieved its objectives but also offered a comprehensive view of the current state and potential future directions of epidemiological research. Recommendations emphasize the need for continued innovation in methodologies, adoption of inclusive approaches considering socioeconomic contexts, and alignment of technological advancements with policy decisions. As epidemiology continues to evolve, this study serves as a guiding light, steering future research and interventions towards more effective and equitable public health outcomes.

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) towards Rabies, its Suspected Cases and Associated Economic Impact in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Dilbato,

Desalegn,

Negasa

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that affects many developing countries in which it is endemic, including Ethiopia. Regardless of its endemic/epidemic patterns, no study has been conducted on rabies in the study area. Methods A cross-sectional, and retrospective study designs were carried out in selected districts of the West Shewa zone to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice and estimate the economic impacts of rabies in humans and animals from 2017 to 2021. A total of 422 informants were selected as study participants through simple random sampling techniques from the community. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information from the participants. The relevant data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and then described and interpreted using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression test. Results The results indicated that the community had 91.2%, 74.2%, and 81% knowledge, attitude, and practice scores on rabies. Having a dog (AOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.050, 2.87), acquiring information from mass media (AOR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.175, 0.788; P-value <0.05), and having a history of previous exposure (AOR=7.3, 95% CI: 1.618, 32.69) were significantly associated with knowledge score about rabies. Positive attitudes toward rabies were higher in dog owners (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.074, 5.993) and private workers (AOR=9.5, 95% CI: 1.981, 45.76). Living in an urban area (AOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.044, 0.881) and Dirre Inchinni district (AOR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.150) had good practices level of rabies. In addition, 579 suspected human rabies cases and 183 animal cases were registered during the study periods. The number of rabies cases that occurred in humans, was higher than in animals in the study area, with varying degrees of incidence. Rabies in the study area resulted in direct and indirect costs of around 142590 USD. Conclusions The study showed that most of the respondents were unaware of rabies. Therefore, effective and well-organized control measures like annual vaccination and awareness campaigns should be developed, focusing on identified risk factors and areas. The incidence of the diseases should be considered while designing control and prevention measures.

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Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices related to dog-mediated rabies in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies from inception to 2023

Cited by 3 publications

References 65 publications

Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study

Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study

Epidemiological statistical methods: A comparative review of their implementation in public health studies in the USA and Africa

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) towards Rabies, its Suspected Cases and Associated Economic Impact in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

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