DOG BITE AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN A RURAL COMMUNITY OF MAHARASHTRA: STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES

Abstract

Background: Rabies, an ancient disease continues to be a major public health problem in several African and Asian countries even today

Objectives: To access knowledge, attitude, and practices about dog bite and its management in rural community of Maharashtra.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in an identified rural community with sample size of 279 by means of systematic random sampling and data was collected by means pretested questionnaire by means of personal interview and Descriptive and Inferential Statistics was applied

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 42.8±7.5 years and majority (68.8%) were male and 31.2% were female. 72.4% do not have any pet dog and all (100.0%) have experienced dog bite for self or anyone in the family in life time.Majority (93.4%) have correctly described rabies illness and 100% correctly know that main animal of rabies in India is dog and the correct mode of disease transmission. However, only 7.9% have knowledge about the most common age group affected. Majority (59.1%) have heard about anti rabies vaccine and awareness about anti rabies vaccine varies in different groups based on their educational qualification and Pearson’s chi square value was statistically significant. Vaccination of pet dog as periodic activity to prevent rabies has been strongly disagreed by 22.2% and disagreed by 21.9% of participants. 23.3% strongly agreed and 27.6% agreed that stray dogs are social nuisance. Majority 24.7% have disagreed towards implementation of Animal Birth Control programme. The relationship between level of education and attitude towards native/traditional healers in preventing rabies after dog bite was significant (p<0.05). It was also found that following dog bite only 28.0% would like to wash wound with soap and water following dog bite.

Conclusion: There exists a considerable gap in knowledge attitude and practices about Dog bite and its management. Increasing the awareness, changing the attitude and beliefs among the study population is need of the hour, Accordingly Regular IEC activities to be planned at various centres