A KAP study on snakebite and its management among medical interns in a tertiary care medical college and hospital in Trivandrum district, Kerala

Abstract

Background: Snake bite is considered as one of the most significant health related problems throughout the world. According to the WHO, a snake bite is an important medical problem. It has been a neglected extrinsic injury in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries including India. It has been estimated that every year there are almost 83,000 snake bites and 11,000 deaths due to snake bites in India. The Goal of this study is to access knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among interns so as to find out gaps in academics and bridge them. Findings of this study will benefit community at large.Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted for the entire batch of interns in a tertiary care center in Trivandrum, Kerala, South India during June–September 2018. A non-probability sampling was done. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire.Results: Among 100 students 48% had a score equal to and above 8 which was taken as good level of knowledge and 52% had poor level of knowledge. Attitude towards management of snake bite was 100% among study subjects. Only 35% of students had median score above 4 as good level of practice and remaining 65% had poor level of practice.Conclusions: Respondents have adequate knowledge on snake bites. They discarded various prevailing myths in society. Although study showed adequate attitude towards management, that was not reflected in practice. This gap can be overcome by teaching in simulated environment, so as to make them competent enough for managing snake bites.