Epidemiological study of patients attending anti–rabies vaccination clinic of tertiary care hospital

Dr. Sukhsohale Neelam D; Dr. Deshmukh Jyotsna D; Dr. Akre Charuhas V

Volume : IV, Issue : I, January - 2014

Epidemiological study of patients attending anti–rabies vaccination clinic of tertiary care hospital

Dr. Sukhsohale Neelam D, Dr. Deshmukh Jyotsna D, Dr. Akre Charuhas V

Abstract :

Background: Epidemiology of animal bite is imperative for policy making, planning and effective implementation of prevention and control programme at local, state and National level.

Objectives: To study the epidemiology of patients attending anti-rabies vaccination clinic.

Methods: A Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in 100 adult patients attending anti-rabies vaccination clinic of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur during January to May 2013. Detail history regarding socio-demographic profile, type of bites including site, duration, category of exposure, wound toilet, treatment, etc was inquired.

Results: Out of total 100 patients screened, 76 % were males and 24 % were females. 16 % were illiterate and 23 % were professional. Majority of the patients i.e. 90% were from urban areas. 77 % animal bites were of category III with81 % bites being unprovoked. 76 % injuries were of superficial type and 24 % were deep wounds. Maximum number i.e. 68 % bites were on lower limb, 24 % were on upper limb and only 5 % on head, neck, face and 3 % on trunk. History of local wound toileting was present in 82 % cases and 45 % gave history of local application of salt, oil and or turmeric. Anti-rabies vaccine was administered to 70 % of cases and rabies immunoglobulin (equirab) to 50 % cases.

Conclusion: Our study findings suggests that the majority of the patients were from urban set up inflicted upon by animal bites with poor knowledge regarding wound care and seeking early treatment.