European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STUDY TO ASSESS AWARENESS OF DOG BITE MANAGEMENT AMONG RURAL POPULATION IN SIDDIPET DISTRICT, TELANGANA- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

*Dr. Aruna. Tubachi, Dr. Vidya G. S., Swapnil Paunikar

ABSTRACT

Background: Animal bites are major public health issues not only for the risk of acquiring secondary infection but also for the possibility of contracting rabies. Rabies is an important but preventable cause of death in India. The knowledge regarding management of dog bite is a important step in preventing the rabies, hence this study is intended to assess the knowledge regarding the dog bite management. Materials & Methods: Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice regarding the dog bite management. Study design and area: a community based cross sectional study done at rural field practice area of RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Laxmakkapally, Siddipet,Telangana. Totally 5 villages were covered i.e Mulugu, banda Nasrampally, Aliabad, Advi masjid, Kotyala in Mulugu Mandal. Sampling method: Multistage random sampling was done. Mulugu Mandal covers population of 44,076. It has 25 villages. 5 villages were taken from different zones randomly. In each village first house was selected by using random number table and then every 5th house was selected. Study period: October 2017 to January 2018. Results: Knowledge that dog bite causes rabies is high. Total of 37(12.7%) of population had dog bite in the past. 156(53.8%) of the study population thinks rabies as a serious disease and 134(46.2%) ignores its seriousness. 161(55.5%) of the study population are aware about the treatment whereas 129(44.5%) of the study population did not know the treatment. Only 114(39.3%) of the population believes that treatment is given at government hospitals. 21.4% of the study population has superstitions regarding dog bite and its management. 224(83.4%) of the study population believes that washing of wound with water is necessary. Usage of soap for washing the wound is not commonly used.

Keywords: dog bite, rabies, management.