Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of healthcare professionals working in
the surgical ward and accident and emergency departments of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in the Hoima District
regarding the management of snakebite. A closed, structured interviewing technique was used to gather data. With an
average experience of 0–4 years, the majority of health workers may have inadequate expertise of snakebite management
techniques. As much as 76% of medical professionals could identify a snakebite. More than half (54.7%) were aware of the
use of tourniquets as a first aid treatment for snakebite. 78.6% of respondents had received training on how to handle a
snakebite victim from a school. The study discovered that 42 healthcare professionals who were knowledgeable in
managing snakebite cases have also handled cases of snakebite. Nonetheless, 9.75% of medical professionals had given
snakebite antivenin in more than an hour, and 71% had never given snakebite antivenom. When treating snakebite victims,
the majority of medical professionals did not follow any defined protocols, which could have resulted in technical mistakes.
In addition, 69% of medical professionals had never recommended a snakebite patient to a herbalist. Again 42 healthcare
professionals had always treated snakebite with symptomatic measures like steroids and cold compresses. The majority of
healthcare professionals employed non-pharmacological methods, with movement restriction accounting for 34.4%. Only
11.9% of health professionals are ignorant that snake bites represent a health risk. Most handle every occurrence of
snakebite, treat them as emergencies, and start treatment right away. Many healthcare professionals, however, are unaware
of the significance of early medical care access and the requirement for appropriate treatment. The survey also showed that
19.0% of victims had been directed to traditional herbalists by health professionals, and 23% of them think they can treat
snake bites. The results present a troubling picture and should elicit necessary action from all concerned