A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE OF ANIMAL BITE VICTIMS REGARDING ANIMAL BITE AND RABIES ATTENDING ANIMAL BITE OPD ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE DATIA, MADHYA PRADESH

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge regarding animal bite, prevention and control and study the association of the socio-demographic factors with knowledge regarding animal bite, prevention and control. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 280 animal bite victims attending animal bite OPD associated with Govt. Medical College Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India. Information collected with the semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed verbal consent for study duration of 3 mo. Data pertaining regarding knowledge of animal bite victims, prevention and control to the socio-demographic profile of victim, category of bite, age, sex, education, occupation, residence was collected. Data was analyzed using MS Excel and Epi Info software. Results: Among 280 victims 178(63.57%) were males, 156(55.7%) belongs to 15-45 y, 170(60.71%) were living in urban area, and 98(35%) and 89(31.7%) of the victims were agriculture worker and laborers respectively. 263(93.92%) victims bitten by dog of them 249(88.9%) by street dog, 221(78.92%) had Category III bite, lower extremity was affected in 280(75.71%), and 156(55.71%) of the victims were affected during evening hours. Conclusion: There is need for creating awareness in public and medical community about proper wound management and judicious use of anti-rabies vaccine.