Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
MSc of Epidemiology, Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2
senior expert in medical entomology and vector control, expert in disease control, Qaenat Health Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran
3
senior expert in medical entomology and vector control, expert in charge of infectious diseases unit, Qaenat Health Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran
4
Phd in health education and Health promotion, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion,School of Public Health, mashhad university of medical sciences, mashhad, iran
5
MSc of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Being bitten by animals is a great threat to people's health because it can cause the fatal disease of rabies. Rabies in Iran is still one of the health-economic problems. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence situation of animal bite cases in Qaenat city over 5 years.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population includes the cases of animal bites referred to the health centers of Qaenat city during the years 2016-1400.The collected data was analyzed with spss software version 23 and Chi-square statistical test was used to check the relationship between the variables. In order to determine statistical significance, P-Value>0.05 was determined.
Results: 1326 cases of animal bites were reported with an average prevalence of 2.27 per 1000 people, of which 77.34% were men. 59.28% lived in rural areas. The average age of the subjects was 44.74 ± 24.12 years and they were mostly in the age group of 50 years and older (38.3%). 77.8% of the cases were bitten by dogs. The upper limb (43.1%) was the most bitten limb and the most cases were observed in April with 9.4%.
Conclusion: With the increase of animal bites in Qaenat city and the importance of the resulting complications in terms of health and economy, the authorities should plan and intervene to reduce the cases by increasing the level of awareness through training and fighting against stray dogs.
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