Selected factors affecting timely post exposure prophylaxis of human rabies at Colombo South Teaching Hospital

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, to describe some selected factors that affect the timely post exposure prophylaxis of patients, after exposure to suspected rabid animals. A study sample was selected from all the patients who came for immunizations as a part of post exposure prophylaxis of human rabies for the first dose ( day zero), of treatment schedule. The sample was obtained within a three week period between 8a.m to 4 p.m , until the required sample number was reached. A statistical formula was used to calculate the required sample size. An interviewer administered questionnaire, achecklist and focus group discussions were held to gather relevant information. Focus Group discussion was carried out to describe health services related factors affecting timely post exposure prophylaxis due to ethical considerations on interviewing patients. It was revealed that only less than 10 percent of patients of the study sample received post exposure prophylaxis within two hours of the exposure. Majority of patients ere delayed at receiving vaccinations. Therefore, in this study recommendations are made to strengthen the peripheral government health institutions with regard to establishment of special anti rabies clinics at all Out Patients Departments and to ensure effective continued awareness campaigns on communities and health staff, regarding importance of timely post exposure prophylaxis of human rabies