Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Rabies and Its Prevention in the Chennai Region of Tamil Nadu, India

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors
THIRUMURUGAN E 1
KALPANA DEVI V 1
Senthil kumar T 2
Saritha S 3
Bharathi B 4
Sahaya Merina 5
KARTHICK R 6
VEDASIVASRUDHI R 6
HARI PRIYA K 7
VIKHASH V 7
Snehapriya R 7
Surendar S 7
SWETHA A 7
1 Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute,
2 Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai
3 Principal, Department of Medical Laboratory technology, Sree Gokulam College of Allied Medical Sciences and research, Thiruvananthapuram.
4 Department of Microbiology, MMM College of Health Sciences, Chennai.
5 Department of Medical Laboratory technology, Sree Gokulam college of Allied Medical sciences and Research, Thiruvananthapuram.
6 DR MGR EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH
7 DR MGR EDUCATIONAL
10.22059/ijvm.2026.400890.1005878
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rabies presents a significant public health challenge in India, particularly impacting rural communities where awareness and preventive measures are often insufficient.
OBJECTIVES: This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning rabies among individuals residing in Tamil Nadu.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chennai, involving 973 participants aged 15 to 80. Utilizing a survey questionnaire adapted from established scholarly literature, the research assessed participants' awareness of rabies, its epidemiology, and their understanding of first aid measures and vaccination protocols following animal bites.
RESULTS: Overall, 65.1% of the 973 respondents demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge concerning rabies, whereas 34.9% exhibited an unsatisfactory level of knowledge on the topic.
CONCLUSIONS: Key determinants influencing the KAP scores regarding rabies included socioeconomic status, gender, and participant's residence. The findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive public awareness campaigns and the enhancement of vaccination initiatives to bolster rabies prevention and control efforts in the region.
Keywords
Rabies
dog bite
rabies vaccine
Animal
Vaccine
Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 May 2026