Socio Demographic Profile and Management Practices of Animal Bite Cases Attending Anti Rabies Clinic in a Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka.

Dr Pavithra R; Dr R G Viveki; Dr A B Halappanavar

Volume : V, Issue : I, January - 2015

Socio Demographic Profile and Management Practices of Animal Bite Cases Attending Anti Rabies Clinic in a Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka.

Dr Pavithra R, Dr R G Viveki, Dr A B Halappanavar

Abstract :

Introduction: Rabies a disease of antiquity continues to be a major public health problem in India. India contributes the major share of animal bites as well as global deaths due to rabies. Objectives: To understand the demographic profile of animal bite cases and to assess the management practices of animal bites among the study population. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted among 310 animal bite cases attending anti rabies clinic. The data was collected by using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Results: Out of total 310 cases of animal bites, majority (40%) belonged to less than 20 years of age–group. Pet dogs were involved in 60% of cases. Category II bites were seen in 214(69%) of cases. In 81.4% cases lower extremities were affected. Only 79 cases had attended the ARV clinic within 24 hours of bite. Conclusion: Local wound treatment immediate after an animal bite is an important step in the management of any animal bite case and this was lacking in most of the subjects.