Compliance of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of Anti-rabies Vaccine amongst Animal Bite Cases Attending Secondary Healthcare Hospital in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: India has the highest burden of animal bite cases globally, with a large proportion of the population affected by dog bites. India is endemic for rabies and accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths. Mortality can be prevented by Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) with effective vaccines that are available. Vaccines are provided free of charge in Government hospitals. Aim: To estimate the compliance rate of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) regimen managed by the intradermal route. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional record-based study from the ARV Register of Government Hospital, Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu, India. The victims of animal bite cases attending the hospital for the ARV regimen for a month were selected from the register to assess adherence to the full course updated Thai Red Cross regimen and identify any constraint factors hindering them from completing the course. Results: Out of 108 patients, 79 completed the full course ARV regimen, resulting in a compliance rate of 73.1%. Factors such as the distance of the hospital, timings, and forgotten dates were identified as major constraints. Conclusion: The compliance rate was found to be moderate, with constraint factors like forgotten dates and the distance of the hospital being significant hindrances to compliance. This highlights the importance of strengthening awareness through sensitisation programs and health education in both urban and rural areas to achieve a rabies-free India.