BACKGROUND: Globally Rabies accounts for 59000 deaths per year with Africa and Asia contributing to 95% of the deaths.
Sulur block of Coimbatore District reports an average of 5-10 animal bites per day which seem to be higher in the district.
This study focuses on understanding the compliance to Anti Rabies Vaccination (ARV) regimen and the determining factors
among people exposed to animal bite approaching the PHC’s or GH of this block.
METHODS : A cross sectional study was done among people exposed to animal bite who visited the government facilities in
Sulur block during October -2021 to March-2022. Using simple random sampling method, a sample of 155 participants was
selected from the sampling frame. Data collection was done by trained health care staff through face-to-face interviews
using semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining consent. People exposed to animal bites who completed the
recommended anti-rabies vaccination course (0,3,7,28) irrespective of date appropriateness were considered compliant.
RESULTS : Most of the study par ticipants were men, and dog bite was the most common animal exposure. Only 54.5% had
received their 1st dose of ARV on the same day of animal exposure. Only 60% had completed all 4 doses of vaccination
irrespective of date appropriateness. The most common reason cited for delay in 1st dose was low risk perception (25%)
followed by unavailability of ARV in the hospital (19.4%). The most common reasons for noncompliance to completion of
schedule was low risk perception (14.2%).
CONCLUSION : This study signifies the need for increasing awareness about the disease and post-exposure prophylaxis to
rabies, to improve compliance.