arrow
Return

Child safety programs for primary school children decrease the injury severity of dog bites

delete2021-09-17
delete6
delete
OA
AI
B
Bernhard Kienesberger
V
Vanessa Wolfschluckner
C
Christina Flucher
P
Peter Spitzer
G
Georg Singer
C
Christoph Castellani
H
Holger Till
J
Johannes Schalamon *
DOI:10.1007/s00431-021-04256-zdelete
deleteOriginal
deleteShare
deleteSave
View PDF
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This study focuses on the impact of a prevention program regarding dog bites in children. As a consequence of our previous investigation in 2005, we have initiated a child safety program for primary school children starting January 2008 until present to teach children how to avoid dog attacks and how to behave in case of an attack. In our retrospective study, we analyzed all patients younger than 15 years presenting with dog-related injuries between 2014 and 2018. As the main indicator for success of the prevention measures taken, we have defined the severity of injury in comparison to our previous study. Out of 296 children with dog-related injuries, 212 (71.6%) had sustained a dog bite. In the vast majority (n=195; 92%), these patients presented with minor injuries; the extremities were most commonly affected (n=100; 47%). Injuries to the head (n= 95; 45%) and trunk (n=18; 8%) were less frequent. The proportion of severe injuries (8%) was significantly lower compared to our previous study, where 26% of children presented with severe injuries necessitating surgical intervention, while the number of patients requiring in-hospital treatment declined from 27.5% in the period 1994-2003 to 9.0% in the period between 2014 and 2018 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Teaching of primary school children may effectively reduce the injury severity of dog bites.
Keywords:
Dog bites
Dog injuries
Injury prevention
Pediatric dog injuries
AI Summary

AI Summary

Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.

Journal

European Journal of Pediatrics cover
European Journal of Pediatrics
IF:
2.6
Papers:
9.5K
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

M
Medical University of Graz
Scholars:
1.4W
Papers: 9.9K
Citations: 1.2W