Abstract:
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It affects both animals
(animal rabies) and man (human rabies). Human rabies is present in all continents except
Antarctica. It is a zoonotic disease transmitted through rabid bites, scratches, infectious
saliva getting into contact with an open mucous membrane or break into the skin. Rabies
control in Kenya has been hampered by the high cost and scarce supplies of potent
vaccines. In Machakos County, human rabies has been endemic for over 40 years with
stray dogs increasing in number day in day out and consequently leading to an increase
in animal bite victims. The main objective of the study was to determine the
characteristics of animal bite victims presenting for antirabies post-exposure prophylaxis
vaccine in Machakos Level Five Hospital, Kenya The study employed both qualitative
and quantitative methods of data collection. A Cross sectional design was used for the
quantitative study while in depth interviews were used for the qualitative aspect. Data
was collected by use of questionnaires, physical examination sheet and key informant
interview. The study population was victims of animal bites who revisited the health
facility for the scheduled post exposure prophylaxis vaccine. Random Sampling was
used to select the revisiting animal bite victims until a sample size of 243 was achieved.
Purposive sampling was used to select health care workers directly involved in
management of animal bite victims. A physical examination of the bite was also done to
determine the nature and extent of the wound. Quantitative data was analyzed using
SPSS Version 20 and excel computer programs. Qualitative data was analyzed by
content analysis. Ethical clearance was granted by the Kenyatta National Hospital/
University of Nairobi Ethics Research Committee and permission to conduct the study
in Machakos Level 5 Hospital was received from the Medical Superintendent.
Permission to use an audio recorder during in depth interviews was sought from the
respondents. Data was coded and had no names for confidentiality purposes. According
to this study, knowledge of rabies significantly affects the presentation for antirabies
post exposure prophylaxis vaccine. At least 48.50% of the respondents admitted that
they had no knowledge of rabies and 75% had no knowledge of prevention of rabies.
The results also indicate that only 4.4% of the respondents said that the health workers
get in contact with them to check on completion of the antirabies post-exposure
prophylaxis vaccine schedule. This shows lojw follow up measures are in place. In
conclusion, the overall knowledege of anti-rabies post exposure prophylaxis vaccine and
the follow-up of victims to check on the completion of the anti-rabies post exposure
prophylaxis vaccine schedule among animal bite victims in Machakos Level Five
Hospital is low, thus a major public health concern both to the community and the
county government. The study recommends that Machakos county government put more
resources into raising the awareness and knowledge on rabies and its prevention in the
County.