Perceptions Regarding Prevention and Treatment of Dog Bite among Staff Nurses Working in Private Medical College in Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Rabies is considered one of the most neglected diseases in most of the developing countries. Diseases like rabies, tetanus, bacterial infections, etc., occur due to dog bites. However, dog bites and the infections caused by it can be easily prevented by suitable behaviour around dogs, appropriate first aid, and immunization. Objectives: To assess awareness of staff nurse on avoidance of dog bites and diseases caused due to dog bites and to assess knowledge of staff nurse regarding prevention and treatment of dog bite. Results: Around 50% opined to tie dogs to prevent them from biting. Other options given were not to harm street dogs, to avoid children playing with dogs, and to vaccinate the dog. When asked about the diseases transmitted by dog bite, majority said rabies (81%), followed by cellulitis (16.67%) and tetanus (6.67%). Majority (85.56%) of them knew to clean the wound after dog bite, not to suture (30%) and to avoid other medications and irritants (46% and 15% respectively). Even with satisfactory knowledge about the major steps to be undertaken to dog bite wound, there was a lacuna in the knowledge about anti-tetanus vaccine (29%) and anti-rabies immunoglobulin (6%). Conclusion: The staff nurse had better knowledge regarding certain aspects of treatment of rabies like wound toileting, not to suture, and avoid application of irritants. There was a lacuna in the knowledge about anti-tetanus vaccine and anti-rabies immunoglobulin.