Analysis of dog bites institutional data, Savannah Region, Ghana, 2018-2022

Introduction: Dog bite injuries in humans are still a major public health concern. Dogs are responsible for 76 to 94 percent of animal bite injuries. There have not been enough national reports on dog bite injuries in Ghana, and understanding the current state of the injuries is important for effective interventions. We described dog bite cases in the Savannah Region of Ghana. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using institutional dog bite data for 2018 through 2022 from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS 2). The variables used were sex, age, dog-bite and facility type. The data were extracted into Microsoft Excel, cleaned and analyzed. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize results into percentages and frequencies. The results were presented in tables, graphs and maps. Results: A total of 301 dog bite cases were reported for the period, with an overall incidence of 48 per 100,000 population. Dog bite cases were predominant in males, 63.8% (192/301), among the age-group 0-9 years, 33.6% (101/301) and West Gonja District, 21.6% (65/301). Hospital cases were 51.5% (155/301). Most cases, 60.1% (181/301) were recorded in the dry season and in 2022 21.9% (66/301) . Conclusion: Dog bite cases were common among males and children aged 9 years and younger. Most cases were recorded in the dry season, and the highest number of cases was recorded in 2022. One health approach is needed to integrate the Ghana Health Service, Veterinary Service, and the community in instituting interventions to help prevent dog bites, especially among males and children. Keywords: Dog bite, institutional data, Savannah Region, Ghana