Key Findings
Despite widespread awareness of rabies, the study revealed that rural Indians have a limited understanding of the disease. Few knew it could be transmitted through licks or scratches, and only 22% recognized cats as potential carriers.
Attitudes towards free-roaming dogs are complex, with greater acceptance among younger individuals and those from higher socio-economic classes. While 86% viewed FRD as a nuisance and 91% saw them as a health threat, 39% still fed these dogs, likely influenced by their Hindu beliefs.
Most dog owners (72%) had adopted offspring of FRD, reflecting a willingness among the rural population to adopt local breeds. However, only 13% of these owners had vaccinated their pets against rabies, with those who adopted their dogs being less likely to vaccinate them.
Summary
India bears a heavy burden of rabies deaths, particularly among rural, low-income individuals. This crisis is largely due to a lack of awareness about rabies and inadequate practices, such as relying on traditional healing instead of proper wound care and timely vaccinations. The situation is further complicated by insufficient dog vaccination coverage, limited knowledge among healthcare professionals about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and unreliable medication supply chains.
The fieldwork for this study, titled “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) towards Rabies and Free-Roaming Dogs (FRD) in Shirsuphal Village in Western India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study,” was conducted in June 2016. Shirsuphal village, located in Baramati Town, Pune District, Maharashtra, India, has a population of 5,512 across 1,161 households. Most residents are farmers, with some professionals and small business owners. Poultry farming has become increasingly popular in recent years. Prior to the survey, the area had no exposure to rabies awareness campaigns or dog population control initiatives. The study focused on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the local community regarding rabies, free-roaming dogs (FRD), and responsible dog ownership.
Survey Results
Respondent’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rabies
The survey found that while most respondents (97%) were aware of rabies, their understanding was often limited. For instance, only 40.7% knew that rabies could be transmitted through licks or scratches, and only 22% recognized cats as potential carriers. A significant majority (86%) understood that rabies is fatal, but only 80% knew it could be prevented.
Despite widespread knowledge of rabies’s fatal nature and preventability, only 73% were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or dog vaccination as effective preventive measures. Most respondents (87%) were aware that traditional remedies like chili or turmeric powder are ineffective, but less than half (42%) believed in the effectiveness of washing bite wounds with soap and water. Nearly all respondents (97%) would advise a dog-bite victim to go to a hospital. Although 92% believed in controlling the FRD population to manage rabies, only 73% would report a rabid dog to authorities.
Respondent’s Attitudes and Practices Towards Free-Roaming Dogs (FRD)
The current study reveals a complex relationship between socio-economic factors, livestock ownership, and attitudes towards FRD. While the majority of participants (86%) considered FRD a nuisance and a threat to human health (91%), these attitudes varied significantly based on demographics.
Younger respondents (≤34 years) were less likely to view FRD as a health threat and more likely to feed them. Participants from higher socio-economic levels generally had more positive attitudes, considering FRD useful and feeding them. In contrast, those from lower socio-economic levels were less likely to engage in supportive behaviors, viewing FRD more negatively and expecting those who fed or sheltered them to be responsible for their health and vaccination.
Poultry owners were more likely to perceive FRD as a nuisance due to attacks on their poultry. Livestock owners, especially those with cattle or buffalo, were generally less likely to feed FRD due to economic concerns. Households with children were more likely to see FRD as a health threat, possibly due to the higher incidence of dog bites.
Despite a high percentage (39%) of respondents feeding FRD, many still considered these dogs a nuisance and did not take responsibility for their immunization. Religious beliefs, particularly Hinduism, likely influenced feeding behaviors but did not motivate sufficient responsibility for immunizations due to factors like vaccine availability and cost.
Characteristics of Dog Owners
The study also examined the characteristics of dog owners. Those with negative views of FRD were less likely to seek veterinary care or vaccinate their pets. Owners who adopted their dogs from the streets were also less likely to vaccinate them compared to those who purchased or received their dogs as gifts. Interestingly, most dog owners (72%) had adopted offspring of FRD, indicating a willingness among the rural population to adopt local breeds. However, only 13% of dog owners had vaccinated their pets against rabies. And despite 84% claiming to confine their dogs, many admitted their pets occasionally roamed freely, increasing the risk of rabies transmission.
The study highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership as a tool for managing dog populations and controlling rabies. Dog owners with positive perceptions of FRD and rabies were more likely to vaccinate and sterilize their pets, underscoring the need for educational campaigns to promote these practices and reduce the number of FRD.
Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to promote responsible dog ownership and better management of the FRD population. By addressing socio-economic factors, livestock ownership, and religious beliefs, effective strategies can be developed to improve the well-being of both FRD and the communities they inhabit.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Rabies / Knowledge, Attitude & Practices (KAP) / West India
Year of Publication:
2019
External Link:
Tiwari HK, O’Dea M, Robertson ID, Vanak AT (2019) Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards rabies and free-roaming dogs (FRD) in Shirsuphal village in western India: A community based cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 13(1): e0007120.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007120