Awareness about Necessary of Rabies Vaccination after Dog Bite Occur

Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis. Rabies vaccination after dog bite incidence is important way for prevention of this disease. This article aimed to determine awareness about necessity of rabies vaccination among dog bite victims in Rasht city. This study was a cross-sectional study. During one year, we surveyed all cases at least 16 years old of dog bite that referred to rabies vaccination centers in Rasht city. During research period we surveyed 482 cases of dog bite. For data collection we used researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistic, chi square test, independent samples t test, analyses of variance and logistic regression. Only 59.8% of subjects were aware of necessaries of rabies vaccination after dog bite. In comparison of illiterate individuals, having elementary and secondary education level (OR= 3.45, CI: 1.54-6.02), high school education level (OR= 4.65, CI: 2.09-10.35), university education level (OR= 7.60, CI: 2.92-19.73) increase chance of be aware about necessaries of rabies vaccination but inhabit in rural area decrease this chance (OR= 0.57, CI: 0.36-0.89). High percentage of population is unaware about necessity of rabies vaccination after dog bites occur. Designing and performing educational programs about this issue especially at rural area and people with lower educational level are necessary. Also educational level at designing and performing educational programs should be considered.