Abstract
Background: Rabies is a 100% fatal disease affecting all mammals. Dog is the main reservoir and is a major socioeconomic and public health problem. About 59,000 people die annually due to this disease. It affects all and India is no exception, being a classic example of neglected tropical disease. Though effective vaccines are available and prevention is possible by post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), India still lags behind in achieving rabies free society. This is due to poor compliance and lack of awareness in the society. Though fatal the disease is also 100% preventable.
Objectives: The purpose of this article is to see the compliance rate among the population and study the profile of the patient and animals.
Methods: A follow up longitudinal study was done at Anti-Rabies Vaccination Out Patient Department (ARV OPD) of a Tertiary Care Hospital among patients attending ARV OPD for animal bites from 1st March to 31st October 2015. A detailed patient history was taken and compliance rate was determined based on the ARV register.
Result: All together 1769 patients were followed up. The compliance rate is just above the half-way-mark (55.2%) with dog involved in majority of the cases. Maximum were Cat II patients (76.1%) with the maximum drop out for the 4th dose.
Conclusion: There is dire need to increase the compliance rate and awareness among the general population. Non compliance is an economic burden on the government treasury and puts society at risk.
Keywords: Anti Rabies Vaccination, Compliance, Animal Bites, Post exposure prophylaxis
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Corresponding Author
Dr Chhaya Rajguru
Department of Community Medicine, Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai- 400008
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Phone no: 9820976026
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i1.43
