A multi-site study on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practice of child-dog interactions in rural China

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 Mar 7;10(3):950-62. doi: 10.3390/ijerph10030950.

Abstract

This study examines demographic, cognitive and behavioral factors that predict pediatric dog-bite injury risk in rural China. A total of 1,537 children (grades 4-6) in rural regions of Anhui, Hebei and Zhejiang Provinces, China completed self-report questionnaires assessing beliefs about and behaviors with dogs. The results showed that almost 30% of children reported a history of dog bites. Children answered 56% of dog-safety knowledge items correctly. Regressions revealed both demographic and cognitive/behavioral factors predicted children's risky interactions with dogs and dog-bite history. Boys behaved more riskily with dogs and were more frequently bitten. Older children reported greater risks with dogs and more bites. With demographics controlled, attitudes/beliefs of invulnerability, exposure frequency, and dog ownership predicted children's self-reported risky practice with dogs. Attitudes/beliefs of invulnerability, dog exposure, and dog ownership predicted dog bites. In conclusion, both demographic and cognitive/behavioral factors influenced rural Chinese children's dog-bite injury risk. Theory-based, empirically-supported intervention programs might reduce dog-bite injuries in rural China.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Bites and Stings / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • China / epidemiology
  • Dogs*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pets*
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Surveys and Questionnaires