Abstract

EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACIST’S KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

*Mrs. B. Nivetha, Dr. R. Manivannan, Jayakumar T., Jeevitha A., Kirthika M., Vetrivel R.

Abstract

Rabies is a fatal but completely preventable zoonotic disease that continues to pose a significant public health challenge in endemic regions. Community pharmacists, being highly accessible healthcare professionals, are strategically placed to make a significant contribution to rabies prevention through patient education, early counselling, and appropriate referral for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of community pharmacists regarding rabies prevention and management. An observational cross-sectional KAP study was conducted among registered community pharmacists practicing in selected districts of Salem, Namakkal & Erode of Tamil Nadu from Oct 2025 to Jan 2026. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire distributed with the aid of Google Forms. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of rabies transmission, vaccination schedules, attitudes toward prevention and public health responsibility, and current practice patterns in managing animal bite cases. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, and associations were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests. The study concluded that community pharmacists had moderate knowledge of rabies transmission, wound care, and PEP, with generally positive attitudes toward prevention and professional responsibility. However, gaps were noted in practice, particularly in patient counselling, referral practices, and awareness of immunoglobulin use. KAP scores varied with education and experience. Overall, while awareness and attitudes are encouraging, structured continuing education and targeted training are needed to strengthen pharmacists’ role in rabies control and support national elimination goals.

Keywords: Rabies, Communicable disease, Pharmacist.