Publication:

A study to assess delays in reporting time and completion of treatment at anti rabies clinic, JA group of hospitals, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Background Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care. 20,000 people are estimated to die every year from rabies in India primarily because of stray dogs. Rabies continues to be a public health problem in India as there is no organised system of surveillance of rabies cases and there is hence a lack of reliable data. The present study was undertaken to assess reporting time to medical facility, timely completion of vaccination and use of indigenous treatment.

Methods It was a cross sectional study conducted for the duration of six months in anti-rabies clinic of Madhav dispensary at J.A. group of hospitals Gwalior. All newly registered patients who consented to participate were included in the study. The sample size calculated was 1200 and the tool for collecting information was a semi structured questionnaire.

Results 46.09% cases reported within >24-72 hours, 21.40% within >72 hours to 07 days while 18.17% cases reported to medical facility after seven days. Financial problem was the cause of delay in maximum (35.83%) number of cases. 62.95% (712) cases delayed the completion of treatment. 51.50% took one or more type of indigenous/home treatment.

Conclusion Health education about consequences of animal bite and their appropriate vaccination including wound management should be promoted through media and other channels. Indigenous methods of treatment should be discouraged.