Abstract:
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that affects all warm-blooded mammals, including humans. Approximately 99% of human rabies cases result from bites by infected dogs, making dog vaccination the most effective strategy for preventing transmission. In Kenya, rabies remains endemic and is recognized among the country’s priority zoonotic diseases. This study assessed factors influencing vaccination of dogs against rabies within households in South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following four objectives: to assess the level of awareness of rabies within households, to establish the socio-demographic factors influencing vaccination of dogs, to establish the factors influencing level of adherence to vaccination of dogs against rabies, to assess the practices of households in regard to control of dog mediated rabies in South Mugirango Sub-County. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 422 household heads using structured questionnaires, while 22 key informants from the health, veterinary, livestock, and administrative sectors were interviewed. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26, with logistic regression applied to determine relationships between variables at a significance level of α = 0.05. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Quantitative data was presented using frequency tables and figures. The findings showed a high level of rabies awareness (96.3%) within households. However, only 59.2% correctly identified a virus as the cause of rabies, while 83.8% recognized animal bites as the primary mode of transmission. Awareness was significantly associated with marital status, occupation, and household breadwinner status (p < 0.05). Despite high awareness, adherence to dog vaccination was low, with only 14.5% of respondents reporting regular vaccination of their dogs. Most respondents (84.7%) could not recall the last time their dogs were vaccinated. Adherence to vaccination was significantly associated with age, education level, occupation, household income, household size, and breadwinner status (p < 0.05). Regarding rabies control practices, 79.3% of households sought medical care following dog bites, and 89.2% reported referring bite victims to health facilities. The study concludes that although awareness of rabies is high, vaccination uptake remains inadequate. Strengthening community sensitization, expanding vaccination campaigns, providing mobile vaccination services, and improving access to affordable vaccines are essential to enhance rabies prevention and control in South Mugirango Sub-County.
