Abstract

Rabies is one of the oldest recognized infectious diseases which affect all mammals. The study was conducted in and around Mendi town, which is found in western Wollega zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A non-observational study type consisting of purposive study was used and a cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from January-March 2021 to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on rabies and associated factors. A pre-tested structured questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was used to assess KAP of 384 respondents for this study. The majority of the respondents in the study were males 247(64%), while the number of females was 137(36). About 290(76%) of the respondents heard about rabies. 384 respondent’s majority of them 216(56%) responded humans and other domestic animals as the species affected by rabies. Regarding the preferred action taken for bitten human, traditional treatment was responded by 204(53%). Among 384 respondents only 30(7.8%) of them vaccinate their dogs. The present study revealed that the majority of the respondents heard about rabies. However, there is a big gap on KAP level related to transmission, clinical sign, vaccination of their dogs, Prevention methods after suspected animal bite, action taken in home after bitten by a suspected animal. Therefore, Community based education program with emphasis on transmission, clinical sign, vaccination of their dogs, Prevention methods after suspected animal bite, action taken in home after bitten by a suspected animals is very important.

Keywords:Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Rabies; Mendi, Menesibu