Awareness, Attitude and Approach of Rural Public to Snakes & Snake Bites

Background:In most cases, fatality from snake bites occur either due to delay in reaching the health centre or approaching a quack, who often resorts to use of unscientific methods.Efforts have been seldom made to evaluate the awareness of the people about venomous snakes, first aid and superstitions. Materials & Methodology:A cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted on people from five villages, with an aim to know the ability of the public to recognize the eight commonly encountered snakes in our region.The awareness about proper first aid management and the attitude of the people towards traditional and modern therapy was also studied.Results: Common Cobra and Vine Snake was identified by 98% and 94% of the individuals, respectively.Maximum difficulty was with identifying Cat snake, Russell viper and Common krait.2/3 rd of the non-venomous snakes were recognized as venomous.Methods they employed when bitten by a snake included tying a tight tourniquet above the level of bite, putting incisions and taking to a traditional therapist.Conclusion: Preventive measures, though felt needed, were not used by majority of the subjects.There is a dire need for organizing education programmes to make the public aware regarding the identification of snakes, snake-bite management at the field, etc.