A Study to Assess the Level of Knowledge Regarding First Aid Management of Dog Bite Among General Population at Selected Community, Thrissur with a View to Develop an Information Booklet

Abstract

Background: In India, the annual estimated number of dog bite is 17.4 million, leading to estimated 18,000–20,000 cases of human rabies per year. In Kerala, more than one lakh people have been bitten by dogs in 2015–2016, Kerala is estimated to have a stray dog population of 2.5 lakh. In Thrissur the past 5 years, more than 5.54 lakh people were attacked by stray dogs. A dog bite can lead to rabies or tetanus infection. First aid management and immediate medical care is required when the bite is from a dog that has, or might have, rabies.

Aim of the Study: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite among general population.

Methods: Fifty peoples in Eravimangalam, ward-14 of Nadathara Grama Panchayat are included in the study.

Results: Only 2% of the population are having adequate knowledge and 68% have moderate knowledge.

Conclusion: The study findings can be used to improve the knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite in the general population.