| dc.description.abstract |
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease causing an estimated 59000 annual human deaths globally and
approximately 523 in Kenya, with children disproportionately affected. Despite evidence that
school-based educational interventions effectively increase rabies awareness and prevention
among children, its implementation in Kenya is limited. This study aimed at utilizing an
education programme to increase rabies awareness among primary school learners and evaluate
their knowledge uptake. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 210 learners from
four primary schools (two urban, two rural). Pre-tested questionnaires assessed rabies awareness
before and after rabies training sessions. Differences between urban and rural schools were
assessed using χ2 tests, while Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for pre- and post-training
scores. Post-training, overall knowledge scores improved from 6.14 to 7.61(p < 0.001), with
significant increase in learners’ knowledge on rabies transmission, zoonosis, and the importance
of annual dog vaccination. Attitudes and perceptions improved from 3.23 to 4.03 (p < 0.001),
particularly health-seeking behaviour and reporting post dog bite. In conclusion, school-based
rabies education significantly improved learners’ awareness. Being the first report of such
intervention in Kenya, it could serve as a model for other zoonoses |
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