The impact of snake bite on household economy in Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the different types of costs for treatment of snake bite patients, to quantify household economic impact and to understand the coping mechanisms required to cover the costs for snake bite patients in Bangladesh. The patients admitted to four tertiary level hospitals in Bangladesh were interviewed using structured questionnaires including health-care-related expenditures and the way in which the expenditures were covered. Of the snakes which bit the patients, 54.2% were non-venomous, 45.8% were venomous and 42.2% of the patients were given polyvalent antivenom. The total expenditure related to snake bite varies from US$4 (US$1 = Taka 72) to US$2294 with a mean of US$124 and the mean income loss was US$93. Expenditure for venomous snake bite was US$231, which is about seven times higher than non-venomous snake bite (US$34). The treatment imposes a major economic burden on affected families, especially in venomous snake bite cases.

Snake bites with Neuropsychiatric Presentation ─ A Study in Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

“…6 The difference happens due to different snake species in hill tracts and delay in hospital admission. 7 Death rate was low in our study compared to previous studies done in Bangladesh. [8][9][10] About one-third cases received anti-venom which is lower compared to the studies done in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.…”

“…The King Cobra lives in the dense rain forest of the hills. 7,8 As there are no proper guidelines about management of snake bite in hill tracts, haphazard and ineffective treatment is being given to the tribal victims, thus adding to mortality and morbidity among hill tract people. This aspect is important because management of snake bite starts from proper identification of type of snake, effective first aid given at the site of bite, proper reassurance of the victim and speedy transport to the hospital for timely administration of proper dosage of anti-venom serum along with other supportive measures.…”

A descriptive epidemiological study of snake bite cases among children in Eastern Nepal

“…24 A study done in Bangladesh, showed even high percentage (91%) ofASV treatment requirement in venomous bites, only 9% being dry bites. 27 This could be explained by the fact that children having relatively smaller body size will receive larger venom dose per kilogram of body weight during the bite hence, are more vulnerable to severe envenomation. 28 Cobras and Krait are highly poisonous snakes.…”

Clinical Study of Snakebite Cases Admitted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital

“…It is recommended that application of tourniquet over a single bone for a brief period could be used as a first aid measure to prevent and delay the spread of venom in the systemic circulation. Tun Pe et al demonstrated that application of local pressure by compression pad and immobilization of the limb could retard the venom antigenaemia in 13 of the 15 cases 20 . A large number of victims received pre-hospital treatment from Ohzas (traditional healers).…”