Practical Knowledge and Attitudes of the Population Towards Dog Bites

Abstract

The dog was the first species domesticated by man. It was first a useful animal for its hunting, guarding or shepherding abilities. Over the centuries, it has become a pet that currently has its place in homes. This change in situation is at the origin of many new interactions between dogs and humans (1). The study we conducted aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population regarding dog bites. This was a descriptive and cross-sectional prospective study lasting one month from September 1 to 30, 2021 in the urban municipality of Koniakary. Any person living in the selected households during the study period who agreed to participate was included in the study. Women represented 58.4% of our sample. The average age of our respondents was 28 years old. Households with a dog were 35.7%, which was free to move in 96.03% and did not have a vaccination card. A percentage of 5.9% of people surveyed have already been bitten by a dog, which had an unusual attitude in 71.43%. The wound was located at the level of the foot in 54.38% and superficial in 66.67%. Among the people surveyed, 70.37% expressed having recourse to a medical consultation and immediately in 95.55%. Those who washed first before consultation lent 11.96%. Rabies was the risk mentioned by 39.89% faced with a dog bite against 29.63% who had no knowledge of the risks.