TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - A review of human dog-bite injuries in Kitui South subcounty, Kenya (2017-2021)
JO  - Veterinary record open
A1  - Kung U, Peris
A1  - Brodbelt, David
SP  - e72
EP  - e72
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Dog bites continue to be a serious public health issue due to their association with the transmission of rabies virus. In Kenya, there are no studies estimating dog-bite incidence. Annual mortalities resulting from dog-mediated rabies are estimated at 523 (95% confidence interval 134-1100). The main objective of this study was to assess major risk factors associated with dog bites in Kitui South subcounty, Kenya, between 2017 and 2021. <br><br>METHODS: We recruited 387 dog-bite patients (cases) and 387 non-bite patients (controls) for the case-control study from the Mutomo Mission Hospital and the Ikutha Level 4 Hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between risk factors and dog-bite cases. In the final model, pairwise interactions among variables were evaluated. The model fit was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve. <br><br>RESULTS: The study found that the dog-bite incidence was highest in Kanziko ward in Kitui South subcounty. Fifty-one percent (108 bites) of dog-bite victims were children under 15 years of age, with 53% (N = 68) being men and 36% (N = 77) being bitten on the limbs. Dog bites mostly (44%, N = 93) occurred between October and December (short rainy season). Age group and season were identified as the most significant variables for high dog-bite incidence in Kitui South subcounty. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Promotion of responsible dog ownership and reinforcement of dog control policies may prove more effective in reducing dog-bite injuries in Kitui South subcounty.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2052-6113
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/vro2.72
ID  - ref1
ER  -