Knowledge regarding Snakebite and its Management among Second Year Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Snakebite is considered as Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Nursing personnel are often the first point of contact for snakebite patients and it is imperative that their knowledge about first aid and management is sound and based on standard treatment guidelines. Aim: To assess the knowledge regarding snakebite and its treatment modalities among second year Nursing students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 192 students of 2nd Year, Bachelor of Science (BSc). Nursing, from Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMC) and ID and BG Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. A set of 10 pretested and validated questions was given to them to be filled anonymously answering only one option for each question. Each of the responses were calculated as one for ‘Yes’ option and zero for ‘No’ or ‘Uncertain’responses. The overall knowledge was considered inadequate, if the score was less than 70% (A score of seven and less). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: About 184 (95.84%) students were aware that not all snakes in India are poisonous. However, only 29 (15.10%) were aware of the fact that tourniquet is not a requirement for transport of snakebite patients to referral centers. Among this study population, 121 (63.02%) correctly said that 20 minutes Whole Blood Clotting Time should be performed and 160 (83.33%) correctly said that Adrenaline should be part of the emergency tray during management. Overall, only 89 (46.35%) of the students scored 70% or more and the rest had inadequate knowledge regarding first aid and management of snakebites. Conclusion: The study showed that the knowledge regarding first aid and management of snakebites among second year BSc Nursing students was inadequate. The study participants were not aware of the standard treatment guidelines of snakebite management and there was a need to adequately sensitise them regarding the same during their course of study.