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

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.

Keywords

• Rabies
• Food restriction
• Vaccine