EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF A STRUCTURED HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE OF RABIES PROPHYLAXIS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a preventable yet fatal zoonotic disease, with children being particularly vulnerable due to increased exposure and limited awareness regarding post-exposure measures. Gaps in knowledge especially related to wound care and timely prophylaxis, continues to pose challenges in effective prevention. The present study has been conducted with an aim to assess the baseline knowledge of high school students regarding prophylaxis against rabies and to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured health education intervention. Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted among 150 high school students. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire comprising 20 items across multiple domains of rabies prophylaxis was administered before and after a structured health education session. Knowledge was scored, and pre- and post-test mean scores were compared using paired Student’s t-test. Results: We found a significant improvement in knowledge in all areas after the health education session. Clearly, the awareness about rabies being transmitted from animals improved from 60.7% to 81.3%, knowledge about animal bites was dangerous improved from 50.7% to 76.0% and recognition of need for prophylaxis improved from 63.3% to 78.7%. Similarly, our analysis showed that the awareness of pre exposure prophylaxis increased from 69.3% to 85.3% and the knowledge of rabies being a serious illness from 72.7% to 87.3%. Further, the knowledge with respect to vaccination like the number of doses required increased from 74.7% to 90.7%, availability from 76.0% to 86.7% and knowledge of safety of vaccines also increased from 85.3% to 95.3%.  Overall, the average knowledge score improved from 11.34±2.93 prior to the intervention to 17.02±3.17 afterwards (p<0.001). Conclusion: Health education resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge regarding rabies prophylaxis among students, even a brief, structured intervention was effective in enhancing both awareness and practical understanding, highlighting the value of school-based educational programs.