KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT RABIES PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS AMONG INTERNS IN SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAIPUR,RAJASTHAN: A CROSS -SECTIONAL STUDY

Deepak Muraleedharan, Keshu Lal Damor, Suresh Kewalramani, Pragya Kumawat

Abstract


Background: Rabies is a 100% fatal disease. Therefore, training of Health care professionals about Rabies and its Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential. Interns of a Medical College are the future high-risk category professionals. PrEP reduces the number of vaccine booster doses required and eliminate the need to administer rabies immunoglobulin after re-exposure any time later.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Rabies and PrEP among interns of Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among interns of SMS Medical College, Jaipur from October to November 2022. A sample size of 100 was calculated at 95% confidence and 10% absolute allowable error to verify the expected 39% knowledge in PrEP among interns (Deori TJ et al). A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results: Out of the 100 interns who consented, 98% were aware of the transmission mode of the rabies virus, while only 58% knew the family of the causative organism. Only 30% knew about clinical features of a rabid dog. Although 93% of them knew the importance of taking PrEP of Rabies for medical professionals and animal handlers, only 68% knew the correct PrEP schedule. Regarding the first-aid treatment of animal bite, 94% of the interns answered correctly. 92% were willing to take vaccine but only 77% were willing to spread awareness of PrEP 60% suggested PrEP vaccine should be made available for everyone whereas only 85% were ready to attend awareness camps.

Conclusions: There were gaps in knowledge, attitude and practice regarding PrEP of rabies among interns. Hence there is a need to reinforce the training of interns.


Keywords


Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Interns, Rabies, Sawai Man Singh Medical College.

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References


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