| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Rabies has a total case mortality rate once clinical signs appear;
therefore, it is regarded as a zoonotic illness that poses significant concerns for public
health. Domesticated dogs function as the principal carrier for the transmission of
rabies. Human rabies has been prevalent in Kakamega County for many years, and
the population of stray dogs keeps on increasing due to the presence of a dog market
in the area. This study was designed to determine rabies prevention practices among
dog owners in Mumias sub-county, Kakamega County, Kenya.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional design was used, and a sample size 385
was achieved using Fischer’s formula. At each stage of the study, participants were
recruited through a random sampling procedure, and data was collected using
structured questionnaires.
Results: The majority (41.8%) of the sample population had a moderate level of
knowledge of rabies prevention practices. Dog confinement methods (65.7%),
vaccination services (44.2%), and treatment methods (85.7%) were revealed as
common rabies prevention practices. Further, the study found an association between
having a formal education, employment status, availability of veterinary personnel in
the area (P 0.05), the availability of vaccination points in the dog market (P 0.01) and
having a vaccinated dog.
Conclusion: Mumias sub-county residents have a moderate level of knowledge of
rabies prevention practices. Mumias sub-county residents use dog confinement
methods, vaccination services, and treatment methods as preventative measures.
Demographic characteristics, preventive measures, the presence of a dog market in
the region, and accessibility of veterinary personnel, were factors associated with
compliance with rabies prevention practices among dog owners in the Mumias Sub-
County Kakamega County Kenya.
Recommendations: Increase rabies awareness; Prevention, and dog population
control programs, provide dog vaccination points in dog markets as well as formulate
policies on unvaccinated dog trade and trafficking. | en_US |
