A Multi-Site Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practice of Child-Dog Interactions in Rural China

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.

Cognitive and Behavioral Risk Factors for Unintentional Drowning Among Rural Chinese Children

“…Consistent with the broader literatures on pediatric drowning in rural China [5,16,17] and other pediatric unintentional injuries [18,19], we found that boys demonstrated more risky self-reported and simulated behaviors and had higher rates of non-fatal drowning experiences than girls even though they shared similar cognitive levels of safety knowledge and perceived vulnerability. The results may reflect boys' higher levels of sensation seeking and hence risk-taking tendencies in the face of desirable but risky situations [20].…”

A randomized trial evaluating child dog-bite prevention in rural China through video-based testimonials.

“…We developed this questionnaire for use in pilot research with similar age groups of children in rural China and it demonstrated adequate external validity (significant correlation with risk perception, r = −.43, p < .01; and risky interactions with dogs, r = −.23, p < .01) (Shen et al, 2013a). In the present study, the measure had inadequate psychometric properties, so WLSMV-based factor analysis was conducted and revealed 6 items that did not load well onto the primary construct of interest.…”

Rapid evaluation of rabies control program: 30-cluster survey in rural area of Perambalur district, Tamilnadu, India

“…Most of study reported that children are mostly affected with percent varying from 26 to 66 percent but none tried to estimate the risk involved in children as compared to general population. 4,[9][10][11][12][13] We couldn't find any study with incidence in the children less than 15 years and various social classes. The study found that age and socio-economic status are important determinants of dog bite exposure.…”

“…4,7,9,10,13 The ownership of pet dog (9.7%) is relatively low in present study area as compared to other studies. 12,14 Bust most importantly care of pet dog is grossly unsatisfactory whether it veterinary consultation (24%), use of dog collar (3%) or dog vaccination (34%). This is in accordance with other studies.…”