A Survey of Snakebite Knowledge among Field Forces in China

Chulin Chen, Li Gui, Ting Kan, Shuang Li and Chen Qiu
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Chulin Chen: Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Li Gui: Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Ting Kan: Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Shuang Li: Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Chen Qiu: Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Background: A snakebite is a neglected extrinsic injury associated with high morbidity and global mortality. Members of Chinese field forces are at high risk of snakebites, and their perception and knowledge of snakebites are unknown. The aim of this study is to assess perception and knowledge of snakebites in field forces in southeast China; Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted in July 2016. A total of 216 field force members participated in this study; Results: A total of 10.3% had experienced snakebites and 86.4% rated their demands for knowledge about snakebite as “high”. No significant correlation between the actual and perceived snakebite knowledge status was detected (? = 0.0237, p = 0.3852). Ineffective and harmful traditional first-aid methods, such as the application of tourniquets, sucking the venom out of the wound, and making local incisions, were used by more than three quarters of the respondents. However, pressure immobilization bandages were applied by only 17.3% of members. The proportion of responses for each question was not significantly different among the respondents when considering separate demographic groups; Conclusions: Snakebite knowledge among Chinese field force members is inadequate and in some cases misleading, when focusing on manifestation, prevention, and first-aid. A pragmatic, intensive educational scheme should be undertaken in at-risk populations.

Keywords: military personnel; China; snakebite; knowledge; occupational and environmental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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