Attitude of rabies vis-a-vis dog bite exposure among non-victimized people within Srinagar district of Kashmir Valley, India

Abstract

India has the highest incidence of human rabies within the world. Increasing awareness of the community regarding the disease ought to be thought for controlling the disease Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of the community on rabies are very important to stop the neglected deadly disease. The present study was carried in Srinagar district. Regarding the attitude of people, the interview schedule was formulated. As per Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the city is divided into two divisions; four zones and 34 wards. To exploit the diversity of population response, all the four zones were considered for the present investigation. With regards to all dogs are dangerous just 28.75% agreed. When asked about stray dogs are vicious the majority, 65% agreed. About roaming of stray dogs unless they cause problems in human society few, 8.75% agreed. The majority, 70.62% didn’t agree about the person provoking the dog for an attack. Whilst 95.31% highlighted that stray dogs are a problem in Kashmir. When asked about the population of stray dogs the majority, 96.56% agreed that there are too many dogs in Srinagar. About leashing during an outbreak, the majority 63.75% agreed. The majority 76.87% were not aware of the killing of dogs was considered as a religious taboo. The attitude of the respondents was positive. The bulk of respondents believed that stray dogs are a public health problem in Srinagar. The attitude of respondents not allocating stray dogs to wander liberally, looking for medical attention if bitten by a dog is reflecting grassroots involvement in the control of rabies.