Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Rabies is an acute fatal viral illness of the central nervous system that affects all warm blooded animals included humans being and domestic dog plays a principal role as a reservoir and transmitter of the disease to humans. Despite reports of outbreaks and human death in Yirgalem town, limited or not undertaken regarding community awareness towards rabies.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2023. A Multi-stage sampling technique was employed for the selection of the small administrative units and households. Of the six kebeles selected randomly selected a household and one respondent randomized to conduct KAP survey for 421 people.
Result: Of the total respondent in the survey 52% were male and 48% females, equally distributed between 15­18 years and above 18 years and over fifty percent were literates. Despite 31% of them own a dog, 63% have heard of rabies before and 67% know that dogs are reservoirs. Educational level was significantly associated with KAP level (p = 0.000) with higher KAP level in literate. The types of religions and population of households, plays significant role in attitudes and preventive practices score between respondents (p<0.05). Also 58% of respondents didn’t know about post exposure vaccines for human and over eighty percent participants would report dog bites to the authorities.
Conclusion: The majority of participants in this survey were aware that rabies can be prevented in dogs through vaccination against the disease. Despite the fact that a sizable number of research participants correctly identified dogs as reservoir low vaccination coverage was clearly present and well-indicated. A regular stray dog control efforts, mass dog vaccination programs, awareness creation and trainings to the community on prevention and anti-rabies vaccines recommended as a mitigating plan.

Key words: Attitude, Community, Knowledge, Practice, Questionnaire, Rabies, Yirgalem