Rabies exposure and prophylaxis among dog owners in Ogun State, Nigeria: a descriptive and categorical analysis of knowledge, attitudes and practices

Background: Rabies, a deadly viral human-animal disease, remains endemic in Nigeria. Identifying gaps in rabies knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dog owners in communities within Southwestern Nigeria remains a public health goal. This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge of and attitudes to rabies exposure, prophylaxis and associated factors, and practices during rabies exposure and prophylaxis among dog owners in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Using multistage sampling technique, 500 dog owners were randomly selected and interviewed with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data collected on their socio-demographics, knowledge of and attitudes to rabies exposure and prophylaxis, and practices during rabies exposure and prophylaxis were evaluated using descriptive and categorical analysis. Results: The majority of the respondents were female (53.0%; 265 respondents of 500 respondents), 32 years old (54.6%; 273 of 500), and had primary and secondary education (53.2%; 266 of 500 respondents). The majority (60.0%; 300 of 500 respondents) allowed their dogs to roam the streets, but only 120 (24.0%) had vaccinated their dogs up to date. Of the 500 respondents, 145 (29%) had experienced dog bites, but few (4.1%; 6 of 145) received rabies vaccine, and even fewer (2.8%; 4 of 145) completed the regimen. Proportions of respondents with knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with higher rabies risks were 37.8%, 59.4%, and 97.6%, respectively. Age (P = 0.01), education (P = 0.04), short-term dog ownership (P = 0.01), and occupation (P = 0.01) were factors associated with their practices in relation to higher rabies risks. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dog owners towards rabies exposure portends a high risk. Public health interventions to achieve behavioural change, and the enforcement of dog vaccination and leash laws are highly recommended.