Animal Bite Management Practices in Catbalogan City

Abstract

            Animal bite is one main health problem in the Philippines causing a number of deaths in the different parts of the country. One reason for the numerous deaths can be accounted to the presence of rabies virus which is a consequence of a bite or scratch of an animal. Rabies causes death although this viral disease is a vaccine-preventable one. Thus, DOH considered rabies a neglected disease. This study utilized the descriptive-correlational method of research to determine the knowledge on rabies and animal bite management practices among communities in Catbalogan City. In gathering the needed information, the researcher used questionnaire as its principal data-gathering instrument. In this study, it was found out that most of the respondents believed that rabies could be transmitted through biting of dog and cat, however, some of them were not aware on other animals capable of releasing rabies virus. Also, they believed that death and rabies are consequences of animal bite to individual. Thus, majority of the respondents distinguished the need for vaccination. Furthermore, the respondents’ practices after animal bite were in accordance with their knowledge on rabies. Therefore, this study recognized the need to raise awareness about rabies in the community since an increase of knowledge in rabies also means an increase of possible ways and practices to prevent rabies.