Epidemiology of dog bite injuries in the Volta Region, Ghana: A retrospective analysis

Introduction: Dog bite injury is a public health concern in Ghana due to its potential to cause the deadly rabies disease in humans. To understand the dog bite injury situation in the Volta Region and inform preventive and control measures, this study described the incidence, trend and distribution of dog bite injuries in the Volta Region of Ghana from 2019 to 2023. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study on dog bite injuries was conducted in the Volta Region of Ghana using dog bite injury and mortality data from the District Health Information Management System 2 (DHIMS2) and the District Health Information System (DHIS) from 2019 to 2023. We analyzed the data using Stata version 17 and Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) 3.30. We generated frequencies, proportions, ratios, and choropleth maps. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude incidence rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. The results were presented as tables, graphs and maps. Results: Of the 3,619 dog bite cases reported from 2019 to 2023, four were fatal. The overall incidence of dog bite injury was 41.9 per 100,000 population and a mortality rate of 0.05 per 100,000. Females were less likely to experience a dog bite compared to males (IRR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77–0.88). Compared to children aged 0–4 years, those aged 5–9 years had a higher risk of dog bite injury (IRR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.30–1.65). The incidence rate reduced from 48.4 in 2021 to 39.2 per 100,000 in 2023. Hohoe and Keta Municipalities recorded the highest yearly incidence rate, while Akatsi North District recorded the lowest rate. Conclusion: The incidence of dog bite injuries in the Volta Region was 41.9 per 100,000 population. Males had a higher reported incidence than females, and children aged 5–9 years had the highest age-specific incidence. Hohoe and Keta Municipalities recorded the highest incidence rates. These findings supported the need for targeted school- and community-based dog bite prevention education, responsible dog ownership, and strengthened surveillance.