Misconceptions and Myths Regarding Dog Bite In Urban Area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu

Shobana Priya  Ganesh; Krishna  Kumar J; Arun R

doi:10.5455/njcm.20210616075712

Authors

Shobana Priya Ganesh Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai
Krishna Kumar J Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai
Arun R Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20210616075712

Keywords:

Rabies, Food restriction, Vaccine

Abstract

Background: Dogs are the main source of human rabies, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Though dog bite injuries to humans in India have received much attention, there are certain misconceptions.

Methodology: Cross-sectional study was carried out in urban field practice area of Anakaputhur in Kancheepuram district. By purposive sampling method, 285 outpatients visiting the urban health centre during a period of two months were included as study participants. SPSS version 20 used for entering and analysis of data.

Result: Among the study participants, 36.4 % participants believed that vaccine is given in the stomach, many of them followed certain food restrictions among which 65.2% participants avoided non – vegetarian after dog bite. Around 25.6% participants believed rabies is caused only by dogs and 17 % participants were not aware that rabies is caused by animals other than dog. Less than half of them only responded that they will complete the course of anti-rabies vaccine, if there are no symptoms.

Conclusion: According to this study myths and misconception regarding dog bite were found to be highly prevalent. These beliefs and practices are of no use and can be harmful at times.

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