Motivators and Barriers for Responsible Pet Ownership as a Rabies Preventive Measure in Davao City

Abstract

Several strategies were implemented to address rabies disease as a public health issue, but very few were written about how responsible pet ownership can resolve it. Recognizing responsible pet ownership as a key in eliminating rabies disease in the Philippines, this study determined what influences dog owners in adopting responsible pet ownership as a rabies preventive measure.

Specifically, this study determined how exposure to rabies, knowledge and practices, perceptions on the risk and the benefits of avoiding the risk, self-efficacy, and awareness to CVO's Anti-Rabies Program, are related to dog owners' decision to become responsible pet owners.

Guided by the framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study utilized the convergent mixed method design. Quantitative data were gathered through an online survey which was participated by a total of sixty (60) dog owners. The respondents are residents of the top three barangays with the highest number of rabies cases reported in Davao City in 2018. On the other hand, qualitative data were gathered through a key informant interview with City Veterinarian's Office and Focus Group Discussions {FGDs) with pet owners residing in the mentioned barangays.