EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF ANIMAL BITE IN CHILDREN ATTENDING OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF REWA CITY- A HOSPITAL BASED SURVEY.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Community Medicine,
Government Medical College,
Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India.
E-mail: dr.sanjeev19@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Dog bites account for tens of millions of injuries annually with children being at the highest risk. Dog bite fatality rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries due to prevalent rabies virus, lack of post-exposure treatment and appropriate access to health care. Between 30% and 60% of the victims of dog bites are children under the age of 15 in countries where rabies is endemic.

       The objectives of this study were-1. to assess the sociodemographic profile of animal bite victims who are < 15 years old, 2. To evaluate parents’ knowledge and practices for prevention and control of rabies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is institutional based cross-sectional observational study carried out among animal bite victims attending OPD of GMH, SGMH and District Hospital of Rewa city from February 2014 to February 2015. Out of 406 victims interviewed, 72 were <15 years of age (17.7%). Data was analysed using Graph Pad software. Percentage and proportion were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

17.7% (n=72) of cases were aged < 15 years. 73.6% were males and 59.7% were urban residents. 61.1% victims belonged to below poverty line families. 94.4% victims sustained dog bites. Most common site of bite was lower extremity (38.9%), followed by head and neck (30.6%). Majority of the victims 84.7% had Category III bites. Almost half were bitten by pet animal/ or animal in vicinity of their home. 100% parents knew that animal bite would lead to rabies. Three fourths of them knew about washing the wound with soap and water. Availability of ARV Injection free of cost was known to almost 60 % of them. Almost 60% of the victims after animal bite consulted to health personal. Wound washing was done in 62.5% of cases. Many (45.8%) victims had taken advice from pharmacist. 55.6% victims washed the wound within 1 hour and 51.4% victims were administered ARV within 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

The adoption of PEP was below par in spite of having adequate knowledge of PEP. A delay in accessing PEP was noted. Present study revealed most victims approached health care personnel or pharmacist for advice. They can be utilized for sensitization of community emphasizing early initiation of post exposure prophylaxis measures. Time interval between animal bite and early initiation of PEP is crucial for prevention of rabies. Health educational program for community and pet owners focusing on vaccination of pets, supervision of children while playing with pets can be developed and implemented through grass root level workers and community leaders.

KEY WORDS

Rabies, Dog Bite, Children, India, Knowledge and Practices, Post Exposure Prophylaxis