Abstract

ARSENIO DE FONTES-PEREIRA, Ataulfo M et al. Educative intervention on rabies in Huambo Municipality, Angola. Rev Salud Anim. [online]. 2014, vol.36, n.1, pp.40-47. ISSN 0253-570X.

In order to identify the knowledge and sources of information about rabies and to assess a community education program, an intervention study for people living in Huambo municipality was conducted during the years 2008-2009. The research was carried out in three stages: knowledge diagnosis, intervention implementation and intervention evaluation. The knowledge regarding rabies was explored through a structured questionnaire about sources of information and issues related to prevention, transmission and clinical manifestations of the disease. It was applied in the first and last stages to 350 persons. The results allowed establishing that the basic sources of information were radio and television (96,6% and 69.1% respectively) and only 7.7% said they obtained information in schools. Knowledge levels were insufficient in 86.9% of the persons interviewed and the weakest aspects were related to prevention and clinical manifestations. After intervention, the level with insufficient knowledge decreased in 25.4%, and regular and well assessments increased. It is emphasized the need to continue increasing knowledge to increase public awareness regarding the potential risk of rabies mainly in schools. The insertion of this subject into science content of the local elementary school educational program was proposed in order to establish a continuing education program on rabies.

Keywords : rabies; education; intervention; knowledge level; Huambo; Angola.

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