Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Rabies Prevention in a Military Working Dog Battalion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Soldiers in a military working dog battalion both train dogs and experience a high occupational risk of dog bites; thus, they are at a higher risk of contracting rabies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding rabies prevention among soldiers in a military working dog battalion.

METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design with 124 participants and used a questionnaire provided by the Department of Disease Control. Descriptive statistics using numbers and percentages were applied in general and then classified by population characteristics. Fisher’s exact test was used to investigate the association between population characteristics to prevent rabies by total score.

RESULTS: Most of the sample group answered that washing dog bite wounds with water and soap and then applying Betadine to the infection site can reduce Infection (77.4%). Other responses included that puppies need to be vaccinated (75.8%) and that all mammals can be rabid (70.2%). The population characteristics that showed an excellent score were those of the respondents with a Undergraduate or above education (47.8%), and those who were studying the military working dog battalion training program (54.8%). The study revealed several factors associated with the prevention of contracting rabies, including having participated in military dog training programs, having previous employment working with dogs, and being experienced in taking care of personal dogs and cats.

CONCLUSIONS: This study found that KAP and guidelines to prevent rabies, based on the evidence, should be used to develop a policy to prevent members of military dog battalions from contracting rabies.