Abstract:
Objective: Rabies is a preventable fatal disease as well as a public health problem that still maintains its importance in the world and in Turkey. The inadequacy of known treatment methods and the high fatality rate further increase the importance of prophylaxis after rabies risky contact. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Kocaeli province and the compliance of their immunization approaches with local guidelines.
Materials and Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey including 26 questions about physicians' basic rabies knowledge and their clinical approach to rabies risky contact. Our questionnaire was administered face-to-face to physicians working in family health centers in Kocaeli between April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018, and was delivered to physicians who were members of Kocaeli Medical Chamber via e-mail or a web page. Percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze all data using SPSS for Windows 20.0 software.
Results: A total of 321 physicians (46.1% female and 58.1% male) responded to our questionnaire. The mean age of the physicians was 40.12±9.3 years and the mean medical experience was 14.8±9.3 years. Physicians received one point for each correct answer to the knowledge questions. Questions 5, 9, 10, 16 and 19 contained more than one correct answer; therefore, the total points that could be obtained from each of these questions were greater than 1. The lowest total score that could be obtained from the questionnaire was 0 and the highest score was 46. The mean knowledge score of the physicians was 29.14±4.97. It was found that 66% of the physicians did not know the rabies incubation period, 95% did not know the rabies immunization schedule, which is the most important step after wound care in rabies risky contact, and 50% did not know the rabies immunoglobulin dose. In addition, 79% of the physicians did not know the schedule of pre-contact rabies prophylaxis recommended for risk groups. Only 25% of the physicians correctly answered the first choice of antibiotic after rabies risky contact.
Conclusion: Considering the results of our study, physicians should update their knowledge on rabies management. The practices of physicians regarding rabies prophylaxis management should be checked more frequently and regularly by the authorities.
