occur in rural areas of Africa and Asia. In India alone, 20,000 deaths (i.e., about 2/100,000 population at risk) are estimated to occur annually. India has 36% global and 65% Asian rabies burden in terms of cases. [1-3] The majority of deaths (84%) occur in rural areas. The estimated annual cost of rabies is US$6 billion (95% CI, 4.6-7.3 billion), with almost US$2 billion (~40%) due to lost productivity after premature deaths and a further US$1.6 billion spent directly on postexposure prophylaxis. [4] There are many myths and false beliefs associated with wound management. These include application of oils, herbs, and red chilies on the wounds inflicted by rabid animals, and improper washing of wounds. [5] General practitioners or junior residents constitute a key source of medical care for antirabies treatment to the victims of animal bites. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge among the junior residents in a tertiary care institute in Haryana regarding animal bite management. [6] Background: Animal bites in humans are a major public health problem. Rabies is a highly fatal disease, killing an estimated 20,000 people in India annually. This virtually fatal disease is nearly hundred percent preventable by appropriate postexposure prophylaxis. The knowledge regarding animal bite management among health professionals is of utmost importance for prevention of this deadly disease. Objective: To assess the awareness about animal bite management in prevention of transmission of rabies to humans among junior residents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 120 randomly selected junior residents from various departments of the institute giving equal consideration to residents of clinical and paraclinical disciplines. The study was carried out in the month of September 2011 using the pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests using the SPSS software, version 18.0. Results: Residents of the clinical disciplines had better knowledge regarding burden of rabies (80%). Only 50% residents belonging to pre-and paraclinical disciplines had knowledge about correct categorization of animal bite wound. Only 52% residents of pre-and paraclinical disciplines were aware of intradermal antirabies vaccine schedule and immunoglobulin dose to be administered. Nearly two-thirds residents of clinical disciplines were aware of preexposure prophylaxis schedule. Conclusion: Owing to poor knowledge about prevention and management of such a deadly disease, special attention is needed in strengthening the fundamentals of management skills in internship and through orientation program to junior residents.

Background: Sanitation is one of the basic determinants of quality of life and human development index. Open air defecation has dire health impacts. Objective of the study is to determine the sanitary latrine coverage, use and factors influencing its use in a rural community. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area for 3 months. Around 259 households were included for the present study. Data was collected by house to house visit in the selected villages using a pretested structured questionnaire. The infrastructure of the sanitary latrine was observed and noted. Data was entered in excel sheet and analysed using epi-data software. Results: Sanitary latrine was present in 213 houses (82%) and rest 18% practiced open air defecation. The average duration of use of sanitary latrine was 6.33±6.03 years. Nearly 90% (189) of the latrines were private latrines, majority of the sanitary latrine were pucca with adequate lighting and good ventilation. Conclusion: Majority of them were using latrines, only 18% of them practiced open air defecation. But among the houses with latrine, more than half of the latrines did not have water facility and soap in the latrine. Majority of them felt that safety was the most common advantage of having a latrine.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease in India. Creating awareness among the community still plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of TB. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in a rural area in Mandya, southern Karnataka. Sample size was estimated and those who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included with prior consent. Data were collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi info software. Results: Among the 774 participants, majority (61.8%) of the study participants belonged to the age group of 30–59 years; 32.7% of the subjects had studied up to secondary level of education. More than three-fourth of the subjects (76.1%) had heard about TB disease. More than 50% of the subjects mentioned “coughing” by a diseased person as the main reason for spread. Forty percent of the subjects, opined as recovery, will be complete after treatment. More than 60% of the subjects knew that TB diagnosis and treatment is free in any government health center. Conclusion: Our study found that knowledge regarding TB and its control in many of the aspects is either insufficient or not satisfactory in the community.

A BSTRACT Background: As the proportion of elderly in the population increases, they also become vulnerable to various types of intentional or unintentional injuries. Domestic accidents including falls among the elderly have been identified as a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in India and elsewhere. Aim: This study aims to assess the burden and pattern of domestic accidents in a rural part of Southern India. Methods and Setting: A community-based cross-sectional study among the elderly (≥60 years) was carried out in rural areas of Southern Karnataka. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to get the information on domestic accidents. Inferential statistical tests like the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: A total of 500 persons aged ≥60 years with a mean age of 69.09 ± 7.42 years (Range 60–92 years) were included. One-third of the subjects have had an incidence of domestic accidents in the past 1 year contributing to a 35% prevalence of domestic accidents. A higher prevalence of domestic accidents was seen in those subjects who were ill (47.9%). Overall prevalence of falls was 21.4% ( P = 0.007). One-fifth of the subjects with domestic accidents had a residual illness. Conclusion and Contribution: One-third of our subjects gave a history of one or the other form of domestic accidents in the previous 1 year. Our study highlights the problem of unintentional domestic injuries among the most vulnerable group of the elderly and calls for a continuous assessment of the burden and nature of injuries.

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