Browsing by Author "Mebrahtu Gebreselassie"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS DOG-MEDIATED RABIES IN ENDERTA DISTRICT, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA: A MIXED METHODS APPROACH
    (Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Mebrahtu Gebreselassie
    Rabies is a neglected viral zoonotic disease prevalent in the tropics that significantly impacts developing countries like Ethiopia, primarily transmitted by domestic dogs, causing severe health risks and death to both humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community towards dogmediated rabies in the Enderta district, Tigray, Ethiopia, from January 2024 to December 2024. Tabias were selected purposively, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed for the selection of sample units. Data were collected from 437 households through face-to-face interviews using a pretested and structured questionnaire. In addition to this, six focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) were performed to collect qualitative data. The data were then analyzed using STATA statistical software version 13 for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Descriptive statistical techniques, Pearson’s chi-squares analysis, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the respondent had good knowledge (63.1%), good attitude (51.4%), and poor practice (43%). However, only 6.6% of respondents were aware of the causative agent of rabies disease. Although 88.3% of the respondents knew about vaccination as a means of rabies prevention, only 23.1% of the respondents practiced dog vaccination. Educated respondents were 8.91 times (AOR = 8.91; 95% CI: 1.070, 74.302) and 36.68 times (AOR = 36.68; 95% CI: 4.477, 300.485) more likely to have good knowledge and practices against rabies compared to respondents with non-formal education. Respondents who had dogs were 2.69 times (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.703, 4.274) more likely to have a favorable attitude about rabies compared to respondents who had no dogs. Generally, these findings indicate that the Enderta district community has good knowledge and attitude and poor practice about rabies; however, there are gaps in the community’s knowledge and attitudes regarding rabies. Therefore, educational outreach should be conducted to ensure accurate knowledge and attitudes and improve practices about rabies in the study area