A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding First Aid Management of Dog Bite

Abstract

Background: Dog bite is a painful, dangerous and threatening situation, which instills fear about the animal. A dog bite is a main source of rabies. There are myths and misconceptions about the disease and wound management. Practices like application of harmful substances like turmeric, lime and mud are the problems hindering rabies prevention and control. Proper steps need to be taken up to control the canine rabies. This present study was intended to assess the knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite among college students. Materials and Methods: A non experimental cross sectional survey design was adopted in this study. The study was conducted among 70 students of Sree Narayana College, Sreenivasapuram, Varkala The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite among college students and find out the association between the level of knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite and selected socio-demographic variables.. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite among college students. Result: The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that among 70 students, 13 (19%) had poor knowledge, 57 (81%) had average knowledge and none of them have good knowledge regarding first aid management. The study concluded that there were significant association between level of knowledge regarding first aid management of dog bite and religion, monthly family income.