Pattern, profile and care seeking behaviour of animal bite cases and escorts in anti-rabies centre of a city in North India

Amudeep Singh; Amarjeet Singh

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20201436

Authors

Amudeep Singh Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
Amarjeet Singh Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20201436

Keywords:

Animal bite, Rabies, Care seeking behavior, Anti Rabies Centre

Abstract

Background: Animal bites are a neglected public health problem and remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are many myths and misconceptions regarding animal bites i.e. application of herbs, lime, chilli powder etc., on wound, consulting faith healers/quacks. There is dearth of evidence pertaining to it thus we aim to estimate the pattern, profile and determinants of care seeking behavior of animal bite cases reported at the ARCs, Chandigarh.

Methods: We undertook a cross sectional study at the ARCs of Chandigarh. Annual data on all reported animal bite cases during the period of January 2014 to December 2015 were collected from the hospital records to estimate case load and pattern of animal bite. 100 cases were purposively selected animal bite victims were interviewed during a four months period from January 2015 to April 2015. Pattern of animal bite cases and care seeking behaviour was ascertained by using pre tested questionnaire. Data was analysed using EpiInfo and MS excel.

Results: Majority of victims were males and above 15 years. Dog was the principal biting animal. Legs (61%) were most common biting site and 71% category III bites were recorded. Around 27% victims applied chili/salt/lime etc., 40% used water for wound washing and 4% applied Turmeric/Neem/Tulsi etc. Majority (65%) took local treatment within 10 minutes of bite.

Conclusions: Majority of victims presented with category III bites. Applying chili/salt/lime or some other form of irritant at the wound was a common practice amongst victims.

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Author Biographies

Amudeep Singh, Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

PhD Scholar in Department of Community Medicine

Amarjeet Singh, Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

Professor in Department of Community Medicine

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