Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding rabies and its prevention among construction workers: a cross-sectional study in Berhampur, Odisha

Background: Rabies is a viral zoonosis and human infection usually occurs following transdermal bite or scratch by an infected animal. It is one of the most dangerous and completely preventable diseases. Construction workers are vulnerable to animal bites. So, this study was undertaken to study the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding animal bite and rabies among construction workers.Methods: A cross sectional study was done in campus of MKCG medical college, Berhampur, Odisha, India. Data was collected by using pre-designed interview from 400 construction workers. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS V.17. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were applied. KAP score were calculated. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Mean age group of study participants was 37.75±15.8, 72.5% were male and 27.5% were female. 84% of the participants had heard the word rabies. 65.75% among them had poor KAP score. KAP score was significantly associated with age, sex, education and residence.Conclusions: Construction workers had poor knowledge about animal bite and rabies. Their knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to prevention and treatment of rabies can be improved by providing proper health education.