ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rabies is a preventable yet endemic zoonotic disease caused by a neurotrophic virus, a member of Rhabdoviridae family. Rabies remains a public health threat in Indonesia, specifically Bali Province. The present study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding rabies among community members in Songan Village, Bali, Indonesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire among 175 community members residing in the administrative area of public health centre of Kintamani V in Songan Village of Bangli District, from December 2019 to February 2020. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software, version 21. RESULTS: Of the 175 community members, 53 (30.3%) owned a dog. Majority of the respondents were Hindu (98.8%), female (56.0%), aged ≥ 29 years old (54.9%), with an educational background of higher secondary (28.6%), residing in Songan A and B residential village (86.9%), working as farmers (50.9%), with the level of income less than district minimum wage (71.4%). The KAP scores mean ± standard deviation were 6.93 ± 1.83 and 8.04 ± 1.07 (out of 10), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed and the KAP of the community members was found to be significantly influenced by occupation (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Albeit community members demonstrated some level of KAP regarding rabies, overall, this study revealed critical gaps in their fundamental knowledge of rabies, the prevention in dogs, and the local rules and regulations concerning rabies. In accordance with One Health Approach, further enforcement on the collaborative efforts for comprehensive education programmes, scheduled mass vaccination for dogs, and promotion for healthier attitudes and practices are recommended.
