[Knowledge, attitudes and practices of household heads regarding rabies in the Abobo district (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire) in 2008].
BACKGROUND
In order to investigate the factors predisposing to human rabies in Abobo, we conducted a study to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of household heads in this district.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted from 13 September to 13 December 2008 and consisted of interviewing, by means of a questionnaire, household heads or their representatives at home. We randomly selected 53 households in each sub-district, with a total of 702 households for the 13 sub-districts. Informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to the interview. Data were analysed using Epi-Info 2000.


RESULTS
Of the total of 152 households, 22% had a pet; 109 (71.7%) households had a dog, that was not vaccinated in 38% of cases. Furthermore, 577 (82.19%) of household heads knew about rabies and school was the source of information for 511 households (88.6%). Five hundred fifty five household heads (96.18%) did not know that the wound should be washed with soap and water immediately after exposure and 118 household heads (20.45%) reported that nothing should be done after a bite. After exposure, only 30.70% of household heads would attend a health centre 50 kilometres from home.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a good level of knowledge of household heads concerning rabies. However, harmful health practices persist. Public awareness of rabies therefore needs to be reinforced.
Issaka
I
Tiembré
Joseph
J
Vroh Benie Bi
Paquin
P
Kouassi
Harvey
H
Attoh-Touré
Kouadio Daniel
KD
Ekra
Aly
A
Diane
N'cho Simplice
NS
Dagnan
Janine
J
Tagliante-Saracino
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057805:Pets; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D011819:Rabies Vaccines