Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2020)
RSJ 2020, 6(1): 13-20 |
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Rahmanpour A, ghafouri G. A Rapid Review of the Epidemiology, Patterns, and Prevention Strategies of Animal Bites in Kurdistan Province, Iran: emphasis on the role of dogs and health consequences. RSJ 2020; 6 (1) : 2
URL: http://rsj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-228-en.html
URL: http://rsj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-228-en.html
Ph.D in Cellular and Molecular Microbiology, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Abstract: (199 Views)
Background & Objectives: Animal bites represent a significant public health challenge, leading to considerable consequences such as local and systemic infections, transmission of infectious diseases—particularly rabies—and imposing economic and social burdens on the healthcare system. Available evidence indicates a rising trend in animal bite incidents in Kurdistan Province in recent years. This rapid review aims to examine the epidemiology, patterns, risk factors, and prevention strategies of animal bites in Kurdistan Province, Iran: Emphasis on the Role of Dogs and Health Consequences.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted as a rapid review. A comprehensive literature search was performed in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, as well as national databases such as SID, Magiran, and IranMedex. In addition, official reports from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran and Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences were reviewed. Data regarding the type of attacking animal, demographic characteristics of victims, bite location, temporal trends of incidence, and public health outcomes were extracted and analyzed descriptively.
Results: Findings indicate that over 70% of animal bite cases in Kurdistan Province are attributable to dogs. Males and individuals under 20 years of age represent the highest-risk groups. The number of reported animal bite cases increased from 2,593 cases in 2021 to 3,911 cases in 2023. Upper extremities (45%) and lower extremities (35%) were the most common bite sites. The main health consequences included the risk of rabies, bacterial wound infections, soft tissue injuries, and psychological complications following animal bites.
Conclusion: Animal bites in Kurdistan Province constitute a growing public health concern. Implementation of multifaceted preventive measures—including animal population control and vaccination, targeted public education, and timely access to healthcare services and post-exposure care—can play a critical role in reducing the burden and adverse outcomes associated with animal bites.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted as a rapid review. A comprehensive literature search was performed in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, as well as national databases such as SID, Magiran, and IranMedex. In addition, official reports from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran and Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences were reviewed. Data regarding the type of attacking animal, demographic characteristics of victims, bite location, temporal trends of incidence, and public health outcomes were extracted and analyzed descriptively.
Results: Findings indicate that over 70% of animal bite cases in Kurdistan Province are attributable to dogs. Males and individuals under 20 years of age represent the highest-risk groups. The number of reported animal bite cases increased from 2,593 cases in 2021 to 3,911 cases in 2023. Upper extremities (45%) and lower extremities (35%) were the most common bite sites. The main health consequences included the risk of rabies, bacterial wound infections, soft tissue injuries, and psychological complications following animal bites.
Conclusion: Animal bites in Kurdistan Province constitute a growing public health concern. Implementation of multifaceted preventive measures—including animal population control and vaccination, targeted public education, and timely access to healthcare services and post-exposure care—can play a critical role in reducing the burden and adverse outcomes associated with animal bites.
Article number: 2
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/23 | Accepted: 2026/06/21 | Published: 2026/06/30
Received: 2025/12/23 | Accepted: 2026/06/21 | Published: 2026/06/30
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