02537nas a2200229   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653001600086653002400102653002400126653002200150653001100172100001300183700001200196700001100208245008100219856007300300300000900373490000700382520190400389022001402293       2024                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aSnake Bites10aTraditional healing10aTraditional healers10aSpiritual healing10aOrissa1 aSahoo KC1 aSahoo D1 aPati S00aCare-seeking pathways and treatment practices for snakebite in Odisha, India  uhttps://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12982-024-00241-7.pdf  a1-100 v213 a<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Snakebites represent a pressing global public health concern, with India shouldering a disproportionate burden and often dubbed the "snakebite capital." Traditional and spiritual healing methods prevail in India, yet their efficacy and potential adverse health consequences warrant investigation. This study seeks to elucidate the perspectives of healthcare providers and caretakers regarding snakebite treatment practices, with a specifc emphasis on traditional healing modalities.</p>

<p><strong>Methods: </strong>An exploratory study was conducted among ten healthcare providers–fve traditional and fve modern treatment providers, two snake trappers/catchers and 120 snakebite victims or their caretakers across three districts of Odisha, India. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using content analysis.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed fve main categories: various snakebite treatment practices, care-seeking pathways of victims, perspectives of patients and caretakers on treatment, traditional healers’ views on modern treatment, and allopathic doctors’ views on traditional treatment. Treatment practices observed included allopathic treatment, cold treatment, spiritual healing practices at temples, brass plate treatment, mantra enchanting, herbal treatment, and self-medication. Reasons for treatment delay included strong community beliefs in traditional healing, lack of control over irrational treatment by traditional healers, suboptimal care at primary and secondary healthcare facilities, and poor community literacy on snakebites.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study emphasizes the need for improved snakebite preparedness strategies, community literacy, active involvement in prevention programs, and strong political commitment to control irrational treatment practices.</p>
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