Untitled Document
|
[Abstract] [PDF] [HTML] [Linked
References]
MedPulse - International Medical Journal, ISSN 2348-2516 E-ISSN: 2348-1897
Volume 1, Issue 2, February 2014 pp 61-64
Research Article
Cultural Practices among Animal Bite Cases of Government Medical College, Latur
Kendre Varsharani V.1, Chinte L. T.2, Jadhav Y. U.3
1,2Assistant Professor, 3HOD and Associate Professor
Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Latur, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Academic Editor : Dr. Bhanap P. L.
Background: The annual animal bite load is estimated to be 17.4 million(1.7%) and 46.9% takes antirabies vaccination . In India, various cultural practices are followed after dog bite. Multiple myths are associated with the disease, which determine the post exposure treatment seeking behavior of animal bite victims. Objectives: 1) To study epidemiological profile of animal bite cases attending Government Medical College and Hospital, Latur. 2) To study the cultural practices and taboos associated with the same animal bite cases and give recommendations based on the findings. Methodology: This is cross-sectional study conducted in Antirabies Clinic of Government Medical College and Hospital, Latur. Required data from 223 animal bite cases was collected by predesigned, pretested questionnaire during 1st April to 30 September 2012. Sampling technique used was systematic random sampling. The data collected included age, sex, residence, education, site of bite, reporting time and washing of wound, type of biting animal as well as cultural practices and taboos etc. Data was entered in MS-excel and analyzed. Results: In this study majority of the animal bite cases were in the age group of 15-44 years, 44.84% and were males, 62.78%. Most of the cases were educated up to primary school (23.32%). Majority of the cases occurred among people with the occupations with extensive or some travel (70.85%).Only 43.5% cases visited ARC within 24 hours. Most common site was lower extremity(86.54%).About 69% animal bite cases were associated with one or more cultural practices and 62% with taboos. Burning of wound with Harwadi’s medicine was common practice. Conclusion: Washing of wound with soap and water after animal bite is very important for prevention of Rabies, which was lacking in 90% cases. Some cultural practices and taboos associated with animal bite are useless and can be harmful.
|