Effect of COVID-19, Vaccination Ratio, and Human Population on the Reported Canine Rabies Cases in Davao City, Philippines: A Panel Regression Analysis

Authors

  • Feby Kirstine A. Evangelio, MSc Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8671-763X
  • Sherelyn A. Evangelio, MSc Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2035-2946
  • John Raven C. Macanan Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines
  • Zython Paul T. Lachica, MSc Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; Mindanao Center for Disease Watch and Analytics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, Quezon City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7824-8901
  • Arlene P. Lagare, MBA City Veterinarian’s Office, Davao City, Philippines
  • Ma. Noreen J. Eng, MRT City Veterinarian’s Office, Davao City, Philippines
  • Maria Corazon B. Sepulveda, DVM City Veterinarian’s Office, Davao City, Philippines
  • Emmanuel S. Baja, ScD Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3888-8880
  • May Anne E. Mata, PhD Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; Mindanao Center for Disease Watch and Analytics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2967-344X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/

Keywords:

rabies, COVID-19, vaccination, panel regression analysis, human population

Abstract

Objective. Given that rabies remains endemic in the Philippines despite government interventions and the pandemicrelated restrictions have hampered its surveillance, this study aimed to estimate the effect of human population, anti-rabies vaccination efforts, and COVID-19 situation on the spread of rabies cases in the districts of Davao City, Philippines.

Methods. A retrospective study of the canine records at Davao City Veterinarians’ Office was done from January 2018 to June 2021. Monthly rabies cases were ascertained, and the effect of the human population, COVID-19 season, and vaccination ratio on rabies cases was estimated using panel regression models adjusting for confounding factors.

Results. The reporting of rabies cases was lower during COVID-19 than during the non-COVID-19 season, with an IRR of 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33–0.82]. Furthermore, rabies cases increased by 2.23% (95% CI: 0.60–3.89) per 1% increase in vaccination ratio. Additionally, high-population districts recorded more rabies cases than low-population districts.

Conclusion. Consistency in monitoring rabies cases during the pandemic is suggested as a roadmap for future program initiatives. Vaccination efforts should be reinforced to increase rabies awareness and ensure early response to emerging diseases. Moreover, highpopulated districts should be prioritized in implementing rabies control interventions to gain optimal development.

 

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Effect of COVID-19, Vaccination Ratio, and Human Population on the Reported Canine Rabies Cases in Davao City, Philippines: A Panel Regression Analysis. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 31 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];59(4). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/8698

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