Taboos related to Dog bite in Urban Bengaluru — A Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction

India is known for its different social and artistic backgrounds with a wide range of myths and misconceptions

related to conditions. One similar belief is about certain food taboos and diet restrictions following a dog bite,

which is extensively prevalent. Dogs are the main source of rabies, contributing up to 99% of all rabies

transmissions to humans.

Materials and Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the urban field practice area of Bangalore Medical

College & Research Institute (BMC&RI), Bengaluru, Karnataka, among 200 adults. A pre-tested, semi

structured questionnaire containing details on socio-demographic variables and taboos related to dog bites

was obtained from the participants following their consent.

Results

84(42%) of the study subjects were told that certain kinds of limitations should be followed after a dog bite.

57.8% of people who got bit followed a certain form of food constraint and 66(78.6%) of them told that non

veg food can be eluded after the bite incident. Nearly 82(41%) of them got such information from their family

members/ relatives.72(46.75%) were aware of the first aid of washing wounds with soap and water following

the bite 166(83%) and said that anti-rabies vaccination should be given after the dog bite.

Conclusion

The public still believes in traditional and alternative medicine therapists, which leads to an interruption in

receiving the much-wanted lifesaving vaccination. More exploration is required all over the nation to uncover

the actual problem and make strategies accordingly.