A survey of behaviors to prevent rabies among populations residing along border areas, Sa Kaeo, Thailand

Abstract

Animal rabies were reported in Sa Kaeo during 2013-2014. Active case finding of rabies in animals identified three suspected cases and all were tested to have rabies (100%). Furthermore, there were two human deaths due to rabies in Sa Kaeo during 2014 and mortality rate of rabies was 0.18 per 100,000 populations. Both of them lived in Tha Phra Ya Sub-district located at the border area. Thus, a behavioral study on rabies prevention at the border area was conducted in Sa Kaeo Province. Health volunteers interviewed 369 people living at the border area about knowledge, attitude and practices related to prevention of rabies. There were 56.90% of people with moderate level on knowledge, 46.30% with moderate level on health belief and 52.50% with moderate level of awareness perception. However, perception on severity of disease was as high as 50.70% and perception on threats related to rabies was at moderate level (57.50%). Regarding to health behaviors, average 61.20% of population had moderate level in rabies prevention. Health belief on rabies and perception on risk and severity of rabies were significantly associated with rabies prevention practices (p-value = 0.01). The findings from this study could be useful in implementing the strategic plans for rabies prevention in the communities.