Publication:

A cross sectional study on pattern of animal bites and their post exposure management in a tribal district of Mayurbhanj, Northern Odisha, India

Background Rabies is an enzootic and epizootic disease of worldwide. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. Rabies is one of the neglected tropical diseases that predominantly affects poor and vulnerable populations who live in remote rural locations. Objectives of current study was to assess the prevalence of animal bite cases and its associated factors in a tribal district of Northern Odisha and to study the first aid management of people after dog bite.

Methods It was a cross sectional study. This study was conducted at PRM medical college, Baripada, Odisha in anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) OPD clinic. The study period was March 2021 to September 2021. The sampling techniques was consecutive sampling. The study population was all animal bite case attending ARV clinic. Data was analyzed by appropriate statistical tool.

Results Majority 54.9% victims are dog bite victims and the most common site of bite was lower limb (53.6%). The main source of information was family and friends followed by doctors and health workers.

Conclusions Majority of people especially in rural and tribal area were illiterate and they don’t have any knowledge about animal bite or its management. This study had found that those who are literate had done a proper wound management before coming to ARV clinic. So, literacy proved to have a major impact on wound management. Behavior changes communication (BCC) along with health education is a vital weapon for controlling rabies especially in developing country like India.