Abstract:
Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is essentially fatal. Post-exposure treatment (PET)
is the immediate treatment of a bite victim after rabies exposure. Proper
knowledge on PET among doctors is crucial in preventing rabies deaths. Objective
of this study was to describe knowledge on post exposure treatment for Rabies
among General Practitioners in Southern Province. A descriptive cross sectional
study was performed, involving all General Practitioners (GP’s) who serve in
Southern Province. Sampling frame was prepared by obtaining all the names of
GP’s in Southern Province by applying several sources like GP’s association data
base and Health Ministry data base. Simple random sampling was done to choose
required number of participants out of the study population. A structured selfadministered
questionnaire was used. It was pretested by giving to 5 GP’s in
Colombo District. Variables were based on guidelines on PET issued by Ministry
of Health. There were closed ended questions arranged under 4 sub headings. An
invitation letter was send with questionnaire and then information was collected
from returning ones that arrived via post. A ‘composite score’ was developed by
assigning marks to correct answers (maximum 20). Equal weight was given to all
questionnaire items. Out of the 465 who were invited, only 336 responded (nonresponse
27.7%). Mean age was 33.2 (SD 6.2). Majority were females (n= 348,
75.0%) and doing part time GP practice (n= 407, 87.5%). Knowledge of giving
oral antibiotic and avoidance of suturing following bite were satisfactory (63.5%
and 87.5% were correctly noted). Majority clearly defined period of last vaccine in
determining the immunity status. Identification of criteria for major exposure was
also good. Mean score was 14.4 and could be considered as satisfactory. Those
who were having post graduate qualifications showed a better knowledge than
others (p = 0.02, t 3.23). GP’s in Southern Province were having a satisfactory
knowledge. Those who had PG qualifications showed a better knowledge than
others.
