@article{ref1,
title="Human bite as a weapon of assault",
journal="African health sciences",
year="2018",
author="Robsam, Samuel Ohayi and Ihechi, Emeka Udeh and Olufemi, William Odesanmi",
volume="18",
number="1",
pages="79-89",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Human bite is a growing public health concern. It may be seen in both victims and aggressors following assault. Effects of human bite are both social and medical. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of assault-related human bite injuries in Enugu, Nigeria. <br><br>METHODS: In this prospective study, an objective structured questionnaire was administered to assault victims attending the Forensic unit of ESUT Teaching Hospital between November 2013 and October 2014. Obtained data was analyzed. <br><br>RESULTS: Out of 219 patients presenting with clinical injuries, 29 (13.2%) sustained human bite wounds. Average age was 32.2±11.30 years and 34.3±12.4 years for victims and biters respectively. Females were more involved than males. Severe injuries resulted more in bites involving females than males. Contusion (47.6%) and laceration (31.0%) were the commonest. Upper limbs were mostly affected (44.7%) followed by the face (29.0%). Romance-related injuries affected breasts and thighs. Most incidents (62.1%) occurred within home/living quarters. Most biters were known to their victims. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Human bite is a common outcome of assault and so should be anticipated in cases of assault. Patterns of location of bites seem related to nature of crime.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1680-6905",
doi="10.4314/ahs.v18i1.12",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v18i1.12"
}