Prevalence and Factors Associated with Incomplete Vaccination among Rabies Exposures in Nong Khai Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with incomplete rabies vaccination among individuals exposed to rabies in Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province. The study population consisted of 7,832 individuals who received rabies vaccination services. Data were retrieved from the HOSxP program at Nong Khai Hospital. A total of 1,553 individuals were randomly selected for the study based on sample size calculation for proportional analysis in cases where the population size was known. A simple random sampling method was used. The results of the study found that the majority of participants were female (54.22 %), with an average age of 35.17 years, farmers (22.99 %), received information about rabies(68.83 %) and exposed animals (bite/scratch/lick) were dog(93.75%). Prevalence of incomplete vaccination in people exposed to rabies was, 55.05%. Factors related to incomplete vaccination among those exposed to rabies aged 15 years, statistical significance (P-value < 0.05) included occupation (adjOR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.38-0.79, P-value = 0.001) , receiving information about rabies (adjOR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.39-0.74, P-value < 0.001) , distance from home to hospital more than 30 kilometers (adjOR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.07-0.84, P-value = 0.025) using their own car (adjOR = 0.29, 95%CI  = 0.22-0.39, P-value < 0.001) people exposed to disease from an ownerless animal (adjOR = 2.69, 95%CI = 1.92-3.77, P-value < 0.001) the status of the animal that bit them is unknown (adjOR = 3.24, 95%CI = 1.48-7.79, P-value = 0.003, people exposed to disease with a level of exposure with animals suspected of having rabies, WHO category 3 (adjOR = 6.68, 95%CI = 3.92-11.38,   P-value < 0.001), there is a greater chance of not being fully vaccinated according to the criteria. The findings indicate that receiving information about rabies can reduce the chance that people exposed to rabies will not receive the vaccine according to the criteria. Local health departments should educate people about the dangers of rabies especially people exposed to rabies who do not meet the vaccination criteria.  Most cases involve exposure to animals without owners or animals with an unknown disease status, which increases the likelihood of not completing the full vaccination course by 2.69 times and 3.24 times, respectively. Additionally, the lack of financial responsibility for vaccination costs is a significant barrier. Therefore, relevant agencies should implement strategies to provide incentives and support for at-risk individuals to ensure they complete the required vaccination regimen.