Knowledge among nurses and medical doctors on animal bite management and use of anti-rabies vaccines in the Omusati region, Namibia
This study investigated the knowledge of registered nurses and medical doctors on animal bites management in the Omusati region, Namibia. This includes knowledge of health care workers regarding wound care, administration of anti-rabies, and administration of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis using a quantitative research method, with a sample of 96 nurses and medical doctors. The research reveals significant knowledge gaps and inconsistencies among registered nurses and medical doctors. The findings show that while most respondents correctly identified immediate washing with soap and water as the appropriate first step after an animal bite, there were misunderstandings about subsequent wound management. Divergent responses were observed regarding the appropriate vaccination site and schedule, with only a minority of healthcare workers identifying the deltoid as the correct site and recognizing the necessity of four doses in the post-exposure regimen. Concerning eligibility criteria for PEP, a lack of consensus was found among registered nurses and medical doctors. Misconceptions about Rabies Immunoglobulin administration sites were also observed, with a significant number incorrectly suggesting the wound site as the injection site. This study emphasizes the need for improved education, clear guidelines, and standardized training among healthcare workers to address these issues and optimize patient care and rabies control efforts. The findings have significant implications for patient outcomes and public health initiatives aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of rabies. Further studies are needed to develop effective educational and training interventions to address these identified gaps and misconceptions
Knowledge, post-exposure prophylaxis, Immunization, Animal bite, Rabies, Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), Wound category, Namibia
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