Community knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies prevention in Kédougou, Senegal, 2022

Introduction: Rabies remains a public health problem in Senegal, particularly in the Kédougou region, where one rabies-related death was reported in 2019. The objective of this study was to analyse the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of communities regarding rabies prevention. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kédougou district using multistage cluster sampling (n = 845) recommended by WHO. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics as well as rabies-related KAP, with a score cut-off of 80%. Frequencies and proportions were presented in tabular form, while odds ratios (ORs), p-values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported for bivariate analysis. Variables with a p-value less than 0.20 were included in a logistic regression. Results: Among the 845 participants, 552 (65.3%) were male, with a median age of 40 years [18 to 67 years]. About 25.7% had good knowledge, 19.6% had positive attitudes, and 15.0% reported positive practices towards rabies. Community members who were rabies-aware (aOR = 5.57, CI: 2.46 – 15.1, p = 0.001) and males in the community (aOR = 2.54, CI: 1.27-5.65, p = 0.007) had better rabies preventive practices compared to those who were not rabies aware and their female counterparts. Conclusion: This study highlighted significant shortcomings in the KAPs in terms of rabies prevention. In order to reduce these gaps, awareness campaigns have been organised, focusing on the communication of the risks associated with this disease. It is therefore essential to design and implement a targeted communication plan geared towards the prevention and effective management of rabies.