An epidemiological study of animal bites among rural population in Tamil Nadu, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161603Keywords:
Animal bites, Prevalence, Pattern, Rural areaAbstract
Background: There are many zoonotic diseases which are deadly to human like Rabies, Plague, and Monkey pox etc. But Human rabies continues to be endemic in India and according to recent estimate 20,000 person’s die of this disease every year. Hence this study was conducted to know the prevalence and pattern of animal bites during last one year. The aim was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of animal bites in a rural population and to determine health care seeking behaviour for animal bites.
Methods:This study was conducted at rural health training centre and field practice area of AMCH Erumapatti & Kandantheri, Salem, India between March 1st-March 31st 2014. It is a cross sectional study, where convenient sampling method was used. The sample size was 688 subjects above 1 year age group. Using pre-tested structured questionnaire, the sample adult population were interviewed for any animal bites in the past one year in the family. The socio demographic characteristics, epidemiological and associated factors for animal bites were studied.
Results: It was found that during last one year 69 (10.03%) of study population had animal bites and majority of them were bitten by dogs 44 (63.77%), others bites like millipede, centipede, scorpion, snake 17 (24.64%), cat 5 (7.25%), rat 2 (2.90%) and monkey 1 (1.45%). It was found that majority had animal bites on leg 42 (60.87%). It was found that majority of them were bitten by pet animals 41 (59.42%). It was found that 42 (60.87%) took first aid after bite, while 27(39.13%) had not taken first aid. It was found that 51 (81%) took treatment for animal bites, while 18 (19%) did not take any treatment.
Conclusions: The prevalence of animal bites in our study population is 10.03%. Among that, dog bites were majority about 44 (63.77%). Only 51 (81%) people had taken treatment for their bites. Knowledge about animal bite is essential because it causes many fatal diseases to human beings. People living in the rural areas should be aware of animal bites like dog bite, cat bite, rat bite, monkey bite and other bites like snake bite, scorpion bite, bites caused by centipedes which may cause morbidity & mortality among rural population.
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