Knowledge, attitude and practice towards canine vaccination among pet owners in penang

Canine vaccines are developed to control fatal infectious diseases, where vaccines can be classified into core and non-core vaccines. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practice toward canine vaccination among pet owners in Penang by using a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of 100 pet owners had participated in this study. All of the surveyed pet owners were aware of canine vaccination (100%, n=100). All pet owners (100%, n=100) were aware of canine vaccination, with majority (73%, n=73) have good knowledge regarding canine vaccination. However, only 67% (n=67) of the pet owners knew that canine vaccination includes protection against Leptospirosis, an important zoonotic disease. In terms ofattitude and practice, majority of the respondents (79%, n=79) have a fair attitude, with an average score and standard deviation of 53.1 ± 6.5. Additionally, the average score and standard deviation for the practice section revealed a value of 25.3 ± 5.6 indicating good level of practice, (66%, n=66) in canine vaccination among pet owners. There is an association between the level of knowledge and gender (p<0.001), and level of practice and gender (p=0.004). Furthermore, household monthly income also appeared to be associated with pet owners’ attitude on canine vaccination (p=0.037). Meanwhile, there was a positive correlation between knowledge, attitude (r=0.251, p=0.012), and practice (r=0.433, p<0.001). Likewise, there is a significant positive correlation (r=0.429, p<0.001) between total attitude and practice scores. In conclusion, pet owners who participated in this study demonstrated good knowledge, had fair levels of attitude and practice towards canine vaccination. This study’s findings will benefit various parties, such as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Penang, in efforts to determine the need for intervention efforts such as organizing a talk or campaigns regarding the awareness and importance of canine vaccination.
Keywords: KAP, Canine Vaccination, Pet Owner, Leptospirosis, Awareness