Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to assess risk factors associated with dog bite victims in Umuahia North and South LGA of Abia State, Nigeria.

Method and materials: Data collection was obtained from hospitals staff and patients and residents of selected communities within Umuahia North and South LGA through the aid of a well-designed questionnaire. A total of 100 Questionnaires were randomly distributed and filled questionnaires were collated same day for proper documentation. The questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship and associations between the variables were analyzed using CHI square. The level of significance was accepted at p<0.05.    

Results: There was 4% mortality rate of dog bite victims. Those that preferred hospital treatment (48%), (5%) chemist, (2%) traditional medicine (1%) self-medications. Those that sustained dog bite on the Leg (27%), (29%) hand, (1%) other parts). Questionnaires distributed in Umuahia North (57%), (43%) Umuahia South. The age bracket of 41-50 yrs is more at risk of dog bite. Males (52%) more at risk of dog bite than female (32%). The percentage of those exposed to dog bite unemployed (21%), Civil servant (25%), Business (18%), Farmer (18%), Hunter (2%). First degree (29%), Undergraduate (10%), SSCE (37%), FSLC (8%). There's no sig. association (p<0.05) btw LGA of respondents and dog bite cases. There was sig.  association btw age and dog owner (X₂125.630, df (10), sig .000), Sex (X₂ 100.481, df (4), sig .000), occupation (X₂128.417, df (10), sig. .000), level of education (X₂125.234, df (8), sig..000), local govt. area (X₂2.736, df (2), sig..000). There was sig. association btw dog owners and dog bite cases (X₂101.042 df (4), sig .000), dog bite victims and provoked bite (X₂=96.170, df (4), sig. .000). Dog bite victims and those that received medication (X₂=101.329, df (10), sig. .000). Dog bite victim and the type of exposure (X₂=96.099) df (4), sig. .000). Dog bite victims and outcome of dog (X₂=100.00 df (8), sig. .000).

Conclusion: It was concluded that risk factors of dog bite in humans includes age, sex, occupation and level of education. Efforts are geared towards public education particularly high-risk groups on dog’s behavior, bite prevention, and post-bite care.

Statistics