"Awareness, Perceptions, and Community Engagement in Rabies Control Strategies"

Dr. Manda Anil Mhatre , Dr. Yojana Muniv

Rabies, Awareness, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), First Aid, School Students, Community Engagement, Navi Mumbai, Zoonotic Disease, Vaccination,

Abstract_ Rabies remains one of the most fatal yet preventable zoonotic diseases, with India contributing nearly 36% of global rabies deaths annually. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, low awareness and limited knowledge about life-saving interventions continue to hinder rabies control. This study assessed rabies awareness among 120 school students (Grades 7 and 10) in Navi Mumbai, employing surveys, group discussions, and awareness drives to evaluate knowledge, misconceptions, and community engagement potential. The results showed that while 75% of students were aware of rabies as a viral disease transmitted through dog bites, 25% lacked basic knowledge. Most students understood saliva-based transmission but had limited knowledge of symptoms and vaccination protocols. Alarmingly, none of the participants had heard of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a critical treatment after exposure. First aid knowledge was partial, focusing on wound washing but without clarity on urgency and thoroughness. Students also perceived stray dogs and limited vaccination coverage as key community-level risks. Encouragingly, nearly half expressed willingness to volunteer in rabies awareness and vaccination initiatives. The findings reveal moderate awareness with significant gaps in essential knowledge, particularly regarding PEP and first aid practices. However, students’ risk perception and readiness to engage highlight opportunities for integrating school-based education and community participation into rabies management strategies. Strengthening awareness programs that emphasize preventive vaccination, immediate post-exposure care, and youth involvement can contribute significantly to reducing rabies burden in endemic regions.

Published Paper   E-Certificate

""Awareness, Perceptions, and Community Engagement in Rabies Control Strategies"", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.b762-b765, September-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509191.pdf

Volume 10 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : b762-b765

Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_305115

Published Paper Id: IJSDR2509191

Downloads: 000109

Research Area: Health Science All

Country: Panvel, Raigad, Maharashtra, India

Published Paper PDF: https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2509191

Published Paper URL: https://ijsdr.org/viewpaperforall?paper=IJSDR2509191

ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016

An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator

Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License and The Open Definition