Stakeholder Perceptions on Dog Bite & Associated Risk Prevention and Management Strategies: A Quantitative Study in Rural Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58718/bigmjpa/2026.3.6Keywords:
Dog bite prevention, dog bite management, stakeholder perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, practices, public health, Bangladesh, quantitative study, Pearson correlationAbstract
Dog bites represent a persistent public health challenge, particularly in rabies-endemic regions such as Bangladesh. This quantitative study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of key community stakeholders regarding dog bite prevention and management strategies in Rajarhat, Kurigram, Bangladesh. Data were collected from 395 Community Animal Health Workers and 395 Community School Teachers using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items. Descriptive statistics (means, medians, and standard deviations) were employed to characterize perceptions, and Pearson Correlation analysis was performed to test the hypothesized relationship between prevention/management strategies and dog bite risk. Findings revealed significant gaps in community knowledge concerning rabies, dog bite infections, and management. However, stakeholders strongly perceived a substantial role for various strategies, including modern treatment, mass dog vaccination and sterilization, proper disposal of rabid animals, national guidelines, comprehensive education, epidemiological surveillance, environmental health programs, pet registration, advocacy, and intersectoral coordination. The Pearson Correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship (P<0.001) between perceived prevention/management strategies and dog bite risk. These results underscore the critical need for integrated public health interventions that enhance community knowledge and effectively implement recognized prevention and management practices to reduce dog bite incidences in rural Bangladesh.
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