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Research Article | 22 Sep 2026

Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors toward rabies among urban residents in Bangkok, Thailand: Implications for targeted One Health rabies elimination strategies

Kittithat Luenglertamorn1, Taksaporn Borvornpadungkitti1, Rapee Luangyawee1, Siwat Choksuchat1, Atithan Paoya1, Anisa Techakunpongkorn1, Seema Vijay Medhe2 ORCID , Manoj Tukaram Kamble3 ORCID , and Saharuetai Jeamsripong4,5 ORCID Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | Article No. 20 | pg no. 4159-4174 | Vol. 19, Issue 9 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2026.4159-4174
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ABSTRACT

                      
Background and Aim: Rabies remains a fatal zoonotic disease and an important public health concern despite substantial reductions in human cases in Thailand. Continued circulation of rabies among animal populations highlights the need to strengthen public awareness and preventive behaviors. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding rabies among Bangkok residents, identify sociodemographic factors associated with these outcomes, and examine relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors to support urban rabies prevention and control strategies.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Bangkok residents between December 2024 and August 2025 using a structured, content-validated questionnaire. Of 262 respondents, 258 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors. Binary logistic regression identified factors associated with these domains, while Pearson’s chi-square test evaluated associations among knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors.
Results: Overall, 58.9% of participants demonstrated sufficient knowledge, whereas attitudes and preventive behaviors were generally favorable. Correct responses were highest for rabies transmission (97.7%), clinical signs in dogs (98.8%), and animal vaccination (96.9%), whereas only 36.1% correctly identified the recommended observation period following a bite incident. Participation in rabies awareness activities was limited (26.7%), although 73.6% reported routine pet rabies vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression showed that private sector employees were less likely to demonstrate sufficient knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.268, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.148-0.483; p < 0.001) and positive attitudes (AOR = 0.337, 95% CI: 0.186-0.610; p < 0.001) than students/unemployed participants. Participants aged 26-40 years had lower odds of appropriate preventive behaviors (AOR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.173-0.657; p = 0.001), whereas participants whose pets had received rabies vaccination were more likely to report appropriate preventive behaviors (AOR = 2.512, 95% CI: 1.413-4.465; p = 0.002). Significant positive associations were identified between knowledge and attitudes and between knowledge and preventive behaviors (both p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Although participants generally demonstrated favorable rabies-related knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors, important gaps persisted regarding post-bite animal observation and participation in rabies awareness activities. Occupation and age were important determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors, while responsible pet vaccination was positively associated with preventive practices. These findings support targeted, culturally appropriate educational interventions, workplace- and community-based awareness programs, and stronger One Health collaboration to advance urban rabies prevention and support Thailand’s progress toward the WHO “Zero by 30” rabies elimination goal.
                      
Keywords: Bangkok, knowledge, One Health, preventive behaviors, rabies, public awareness, Thailand, urban rabies control.