Knowledge of rabies in schoolchildren
Martinov-Cvejin, M.; Lalosević, V.; Pavlović, R.
Medicinski Pregled 51(Suppl 1): 47-50
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8105 PMID: 9769656 Document Number: 488144
Rabies is a zoonosis which rarely occurs in our country, mostly due to good control of this disease. In order to assess knowledge of final grade elementary schoolchildren about rabies, a poll was conducted in Novi Sad (town) and Curug (village) in 1997. Gained results show that a great number of children have household pets, much more in rural than urban areas. Although most children have knowledge about rabies prevention, knowledge of a certain number of children is not sufficient and they do not have proper hygiene habits in contact with animals. Taking into consideration the fact that dog population increases both in urban and rural areas, corresponding education of their owners, including children, is necessary. Health education is the method of choice in health protection and promotion of health, skills and behavior in regard to health and possible health risks engaged in contacts with domestic animals-household pets, whereas, apart from the family, the school must play an important role.