Rabies-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dog owners in Lawra and Jirapa Municipalities, Upper West Region, Ghana

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Introduction: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease affecting poor and remote human settlements disproportionately relative to urban rich communities. In rural areas, rabies cases often go unreported, as awareness of the disease is low and surveillance is sub-optimal. An understanding of dog ecology has been recognised as a key factor in designing an effective rabies control program in rabies-endemic countries. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of rabies control among dog owners in Lawra and Jirapa Municipalities in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 370 dog owners aged 18 and above, selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Stata 17.0. Composite scores were generated to quantify rabies knowledge, attitudes toward anti-rabies vaccination, dog-bite-related practices, and rabies control measures. As part of the study, dogs in participating households were vaccinated against rabies free of charge. Results: Rabies awareness was high in both municipalities, with Jirapa at 97.6% and Lawra at 77.0%. Vaccination-related practices scored highly across the 10 assessed domains. Dog bite prevalence was notably higher in Jirapa (44.1%) than in Lawra (20.5%). While most bite victims in Lawra visited health facilities, 38.4% in Jirapa relied on traditional remedies. Associations were found between demographic factors and rabies-related KAP. Conclusion: The study recommends collaborative engagement of local health authorities, community leaders, and media to translate the high rabies awareness and positive vaccination attitudes into strengthening preventive practices, particularly appropriate responses following dog bites, in both municipalities.

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