Assessment of rabies awareness and sociodemographic correlates among adults in an urban field practice area of a medical college: a community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Rabies, a viral disease with 100% fatality in warm-blooded animals and humans, is underreported in India and nearly 35,000 annual deaths in Asia. With 99% of cases due to dog bites and children heavily affected. Post-exposure prophylaxis is vital yet often unaffordable. Maharashtra alone reports over 423,000 bites yearly. This study is to assess the level of awareness regarding rabies among adults residing in the urban field practice area of a Medical College.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey in an urban field practice area of a medical college included 380 adults (≥18 years) using convenience sampling across five zones. Over 18 months, investigators used a validated, multi-language questionnaire to assess rabies awareness. Data were analyzed in SPSS 23 with chi-square tests (α=0.05).

Results: Among 148 participants aware of rabies, over half (52 %) demonstrated “poor” awareness, while 48% had “average” awareness. Awareness levels were similar across male, female, and transgender individuals. Socio‑demographic findings reveal most participants were aged 31-40, married, with high school education or less, predominantly unemployed women living in overcrowded pucca homes.

Conclusions: These findings align with broader evidence that community-level rabies knowledge and prevention practices are generally inadequate across different regions. Strengthen IEC by hosting regular school, Anganwadi, and health centre sessions to teach proper bite management and rabies basics. Train peer leaders including students, teachers, community influencers, and panchayat members to spread awareness locally.