P2-539 Rabies: knowledge, attitude and practice survey in Baalbeck and Zgharta districts - Lebanon 2010

Abstract

Introduction Between 1992 and 2009, 19 human rabies cases were reported to the Ministry of Health. In summer 2010, two human rabies deaths were reported from Zgharta and Baalbek. Therefore, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study was conducted in both districts. Objectives The objectives are to: assess KAP of Zgharta and Baalbek population towards rabies; measure the association of knowledge score to possible factors; and provide basic awareness to the population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Target sample size was 97 per district (10% error margin, 5% α). Six random villages were selected. One person aged 20 and above per household was selected. Face to face interview using structured questionnaire was administered. Knowledge scores were extracted. A flyer was distributed to provide households with basic awareness. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analysed using STATA 10. Results 196 respondents were interviewed. In Zgharta, 39% were males and mean age was 43 years, while in Baalbek 45% were males and mean age was 40 years. The majority of respondents in Zgharta (85%) and Baalbek (95%) heard about rabies, yet 80% stated having no/little information. 50% in Zgharta and 62% in Baalbek scored 6/9 or more on knowledge. Participants will seek medical care if bitten by stray dogs than scratched/bitten by domestic dogs. Only in Zgharta, knowledge self-evaluation and internet access were significantly associated with knowledge score. Conclusion A comprehensive awareness campaign targeting the public is required to increase the population's knowledge about rabies' impact on health and the way to prevent the disease onset.