article · BMC Public Health
This study compared rabies knowledge and prevention practices in Gombe State, Nigeria, across areas identified as rabies hotspots and non-hotspots. Researchers surveyed 816 individuals with pet dogs or cats using a semi-structured questionnaire. Findings showed that residents in hotspot areas had better overall knowledge of rabies, but those in non-hotspot areas demonstrated superior prevention practices, especially regarding dog vaccination. Key predictors of good prevention practices in hotspot areas included older age, farming as an occupation, and good overall rabies knowledge. The research concludes that specific educational interventions and tailored prevention strategies are necessary to improve awareness and practices, particularly for certain demographic groups, to reduce rabies incidence.
Understanding community knowledge and prevention practices regarding rabies is vital for effective public health interventions. This research highlights disparities in awareness and behaviour between different regions, enabling the development of targeted strategies to control a significant zoonotic disease and protect human and animal health.
The abstract indicates a need for targeted educational interventions and tailored prevention strategies. This suggests an application pathway for public health organisations, veterinary services, and community development programmes to design and implement specific awareness campaigns and vaccination drives. The findings are directly applicable for informing policy and programme development aimed at improving rabies control.
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BACKGROUND: Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas with limited awareness and resources. Gombe State is recognized as a rabies hotspot, facing challenges in controlling the spread of the disease. This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and prevention practices related to rabies among community members in hotspot and non-hotspot areas of Gombe State. METHODS: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Gombe State. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 816 eligible respondents from selected households with pet dogs or cats (408 each from hotspot and non-hotspot areas). A semi-structured, pre-tested digital interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographics, rabies knowledge, and prevention practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The univariate and bivariate analysis compared rabies knowledge and prevention practices at p value < 0.05. Logistic regression identified predictors of good practice. RESULTS: Respondents from hotspot areas demonstrated better overall knowledge of rabies compared to those from non-hotspot areas. However, a higher proportion of respondents from non-hotspot areas exhibited better rabies prevention practices, particularly in terms of vaccinating their dogs within the previous year. Factors such as older age (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27- 0.84), farming occupation (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 - 0.84), and good overall rabies knowledge (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.37 - 6.73) were significant predictors of rabies prevention practices in the hotspot area. CONCLUSION: Targeted educational interventions and tailored prevention strategies are needed to improve rabies awareness and practices, especially among specific demographic groups like older individuals and farmers. Enhancing overall knowledge of rabies and promoting consistent vaccination practices for pets are crucial steps towards reducing the incidence of rabies in both hotspot and non-hotspot areas.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21309-2
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