Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Rabies among Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Rabies remains a neglected zoonotic disease claiming approximately 10,000 lives annually in Nigeria, driven by canine reservoirs and suboptimal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) amid the "Zero by 30" elimination target. Despite global calls for "One Health" interventions, occupational groups like the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) frequently exposed via patrols and community interfaces remain understudied. This study assessed rabies KAP among NPF Headquarters personnel in Abuja to identify gaps and baseline data for control strategies. A cross-sectional survey employed structured, pre-tested questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews to 250 conveniently sampled personnel from March-June 2025. After excluding 17 incomplete responses (6.8%), data from 233 respondents were analyzed using SPSS v27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlations evaluated sociodemographic, knowledge (transmission, prevention), attitudes (stray control, vaccination), and practices (dog vaccination, bite response). Significance was set at p<0.05. Respondents were mostly male (85%), aged 33.2±7.5 years, with 52.4% tertiary-educated. Knowledge was exemplary: 100% recognized vaccination as preventive and rabies fatality, 98.7% identified dog bites as primary transmission [attached results]. Attitudes were positive (mean 4.5/5), with 100% endorsing stray eradication via owner confinement. Practices showed gaps: 81.8% of dog owners (28.3%) vaccinated pets, 89.3% sought post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but only 62.7% knew proper wound washing. Education strongly predicted knowledge (χ²=12.45, p=0.006); knowledge-attitude correlation was high (rho=0.72, p<0.001). NPF personnel exhibit superior rabies KAP compared to general Nigerian cohorts, positioning them as advocates for surveillance and enforcement. Practice gaps highlight needs for targeted training on first-aid and PEP timelines. Integrating rabies education into police curricula could amplify national control efforts toward 2030 goals.​