Rabies prevention practices and associated factors among household heads in Bure Zuria district, North West Ethiopia

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can occur in all warm blooded animals including humans. Vaccinating dogs can protect people from contracting rabies. Despite the availability of effective human and animal rabies vaccines, rabies prevention and control efforts are inadequate. The aim of the study was to determine the level of rabies prevention practices and associated factors among household heads in Bure Zuria district, North-west Ethiopia. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bure Zuria from June 1 to 30, 2020. A total of 609 participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Simple and multiple binary logistic regressions were applied to identify associated factors of rabies prevention practices. Of 609 participants, 413 (67.8%) were male and 289 (47.5%) were 30-45 years old. The level of good prevention practices of rabies at Bure Zuria district was 43.3%. Being males (AOR = 2.69 (1.72-4.22)), age group 18-29 years (AOR = 2.70 (1.20-6.10)), ever bitten by dog, (AOR = 2.40 (1.56-3.68)), got training (AOR = 1.70 (1.08-2.68)), had dog (AOR = 2.92 (1.62-5.26)), with good knowledge AOR (95% CI) = 3.42 (2.19-5.32), with good attitude AOR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.16-2.73) and have 1001-2000 AOR (95% CI) = 2.29 (1.39-3.79) and > 2000 AOR (95% CI) = 2.02 (1.28-3.18)) monthly income were more likely to have good prevention practices of rabies. In this study, we found that the level of good prevention practices of rabies was low in Bure Zuria district. Therefore; awareness creation trainings and multi-sectoral collaborations to prevent rabies are needed in the district, zone and at large region level.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the level of rabies prevention practices and associated factors among household heads in Bure Zuria district, North-west Ethiopia. The study found that the level of good prevention practices of rabies was low in the district, indicating a need for increased awareness creation trainings and multi-sectoral collaborations to prevent rabies.