Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control

Kinfe Kibebew

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control

Kinfe Kibebew^*

Published in Science Research (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Received: 19 June 2025 Accepted: 3 July 2025 Published: 28 July 2025

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Abstract

A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.

Published in	Science Research (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
Page(s)	62-77
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

One Health, Rabies, Prevention, Control, Community Programs, Health Education

References

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APA Style

Kibebew, K. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Science Research, 13(4), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

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ACS Style

Kibebew, K. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Sci. Res. 2025, 13(4), 62-77. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

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Kibebew K. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Sci Res. 2025;13(4):62-77. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

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@article{10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12,
  author = {Kinfe Kibebew},
  title = {Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control
},
  journal = {Science Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {62-77},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sr.20251304.12},
  abstract = {A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control

AU  - Kinfe Kibebew
Y1  - 2025/07/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
T2  - Science Research
JF  - Science Research
JO  - Science Research
SP  - 62
EP  - 77
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2329-0927
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
AB  - A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Kinfe Kibebew

Animal and Public Health Department, Agriculture Office, Shashemene, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0004-2449-0427

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APA Style

Kibebew, K. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Science Research, 13(4), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

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ACS Style

Kibebew, K. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Sci. Res. 2025, 13(4), 62-77. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Kibebew K. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control. Sci Res. 2025;13(4):62-77. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12,
  author = {Kinfe Kibebew},
  title = {Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control
},
  journal = {Science Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {62-77},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sr.20251304.12},
  abstract = {A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control

AU  - Kinfe Kibebew
Y1  - 2025/07/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
T2  - Science Research
JF  - Science Research
JO  - Science Research
SP  - 62
EP  - 77
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2329-0927
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251304.12
AB  - A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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