Kiến thức, thực hành về phòng, chống bệnh dại của người dân đến tiêm vắc-xin phòng bệnh dại tại Trung tâm Kiểm soát bệnh tật tỉnh Hậu Giang năm 2025

Rabies remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa, where it accounts for over 95% of human deaths. This viral disease, transmitted primarily through animal bites, is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Effective prevention through prompt post-exposure vaccination is the only life-saving measure. However, a persistent challenge is the variability in public knowledge and practice regarding appropriate responses to potential rabies exposure. Understanding these aspects is critical for developing targeted public health interventions. This study aims to describe the current status of knowledge and practice concerning rabies prevention among individuals seeking vaccination at the Hau Giang Provincial Center for Disease Control, Vietnam, in 2025.

Public health officials, healthcare providers, and policymakers involved in rabies prevention and control programs in Vietnam, especially at provincial levels.

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the knowledge and practice of rabies prevention among 370 individuals who voluntarily presented for rabies vaccination at the Hau Giang Provincial Center for Disease Control in 2025. The research aimed to assess the current status of these critical aspects within a specific population already engaged in preventive health-seeking behavior. Methodology involved surveying participants using a structured questionnaire, with knowledge classified as adequate if participants answered at least 50% of questions correctly, and practice as correct based on adherence to key preventive actions like immediate wound cleaning and timely vaccination. The findings revealed that a substantial majority, 68.1% of participants, possessed adequate general knowledge about rabies prevention. Furthermore, an exceptionally high rate of 95.4% demonstrated correct general practice regarding rabies prevention. While this high practice rate is understandable given that the study subjects were already proactively seeking vaccination, the fact that nearly one-third (30.3%) still lacked adequate knowledge underscores a significant knowledge gap. This suggests that even among those taking initiative for their health, there is room for improvement in understanding the disease. The study highlights the crucial need for strengthening direct counseling and health education at facilities like the Provincial Center for Disease Control. These targeted interventions can effectively fill the identified knowledge gaps, thereby enhancing overall community protection against rabies and improving post-exposure management outcomes.