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

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.