Perceptions of ICDS functionaries of Gwalior and Chambal divisions of Madhya Pradesh regarding the prevention and control of rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic disease and still a major public health problem despite of wide availability of Anti rabies vaccine. The study was conducted to assess the perception of ICDS functionaries about animal bite management and the prevention of rabies. It was a cross sectional study in which 178 ICDS functionaries namely Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Supervisors and Assistant Statistical Officers (ASOs) of Gwalior and Chambal divisions were identified who had come to attend a training on infant and child feeding practices, basic sanitation and general health and hygiene, organized by Atal Bihari Bajpai Bal Aarogya Avem Poshan Mission (ABBBA and PM) of Madhya Pradesh. Out of total 178 respondents, 98 (55.05%) and 80 (44.94%) belongs to Gwalior and Chambal divisions respectively. Majority (97.75%) of the respondents heard about the rabies. 70 (71.42%) participants of Gwalior and 67 (83.75%) participants of Chambal division responded that rabies could only be caused by dog bite. A total of 71 (39.88%) participants responded that washing the wound with soap and water is the first line treatment of animal bite while 96 (53.94%) workers responded that oil, salt and amchoor (dried mango powder) should be avoided by the person bitten by a suspected rabid animal. Also, 92 (51.69%) of total respondents knew that rabies is 100% fatal disease. It was felt that the regular training programmes should be organized for all the functionaries regarding prevention and control of rabies.