An analytical cross-sectional study on rabies prevention practices among dog owners in Mumias sub-County, Kakamega County Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: rabies has a high 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 dissemination of rabies. Human rabies has been prevalent in Kakamega County for many years, whereby the population of stray dogs keeps on increasing due to the presence of a dog market in the area, thereby increasing the number of animal bite victims. This study was designed to determine rabies prevention practices among dog owners in Mumias sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional design was used, and a sample size of 385 was achieved using multistage sampling. 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. Furthermore, 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 possess a moderate level of knowledge of rabies prevention practices. On prevention practices, the study revealed that Mumias sub-County residents used dog confinement methods, vaccination services and treatment methods as preventative measures against the transmission of rabies disease. The research also found that demographic characteristics, preventive measures, presence of a dog market in the region, accessibility of veterinary personnel, and availability of vaccination facilities within the dog market were factors associated with compliance with rabies prevention practices among dog owners in Mumias sub-County, Kakamega County.