Awareness Regarding First Aid Management of Dog Bite among Adults Residing in Selected Areas of District Ludhiana, Punjab

Introduction: The relationship between humans and dogs is unique. Animal bites, especially those from dogs, can result in sharp and deep wounds that are prone to infection. Rabies infection can occur through cuts, scratches etc., which allows the contamination of mucous membranes with the dog’s saliva. Dog bite cases in India rose from 2.18 million in 2022 to 2.75 million in 2023, according to research conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Abraham Robert, reported that the number of canine attacks recorded in 2022 has increased by 27.18% from 2021 in Ludhiana. From extensive review of literature, it was found that first aid management of dog bite among community people is very limited. Thus, researchers felt motivated to assess adult awareness of first aid management for dog bites. Objective : The study was conducted to assess awareness regarding first aid management of dog bite among adults. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted on 210 adults, 110 of urban area (Guru Gobind Singh Nagar, Shimlapuri) and 100 of rural area (Village Malakpur) of district Ludhiana, Punjab, selected by convenience sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire (MCQs) was used to assess the awareness regarding first aid management of dog bite. Analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics as per the objectives of study. Results: The findings of the study revealed that more than half of the adults i.e. 127(12.91 ±1.28) had above average level of awareness, whereas 55(8.58 ±1.95) had average level of awareness, 23(16.60 ±1.632) had good level of awareness and 5(4.80 ± 2.00) had below average level of awareness regarding first aid management of dog bite. But less than half of the adults 47% were aware regarding first aid management of dog bite. Socio-demographic characteristics such as educational status, source of information and the socioeconomic status of urban area were statistically significant at p≤0.05. Conclusion: It can be concluded that less than half of the adults 47% were aware regarding first aid management of dog bite. Therefore, community awareness about first aid management of dog bite is very limited. Key words: dog bite, awareness, first aid management