Abstract:
Executive Summary
Rabies is a tropical disease that has been significantly overlooked in many locations
worldwide. Each year, there have been 60,000 documented fatalities, mostly in Asia and
Africa. Dogs account for around 99% of human fatalities caused by rabies. As a result, there
has been a rise in the occurrence of dog bites, yet rabies remains a neglected disease in
Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices
regarding rabies in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh. We conducted a cross-sectional survey
using a structured questionnaire among randomly selected residents across Dhaka city. In
total, 379 respondents took part in the survey. The majority (69%) of respondents were male.
54% (n=204) of respondents knew the causal agent of rabies and the majority of participants
(320, 79%) were aware that vaccination could prevent rabies, nevertheless did not vaccinate
their dogs (355, 94%) and allowed their dogs to roam freely in search of food. Half of the
participants (50%) did not know what to do after exposure to a dog bite as a first aid.
Educational level and the area where they live were found to be significantly associated with
knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p < 0.05). Although respondents demonstrated some
level of knowledge about rabies, overall this study reveals critical gaps in their attitudes and
practices. These shortcomings may be associated with a low level of education and living
area. Therefore, decision-makers need a new approach to control rabies, with a special focus
on public awareness and health education, in order to sustain rabies control programs.
