Factors Influencing the Burden of Dog Bites among Households: A Cross-Sectional Study in Siaya County, Kenya

Dog bites are a considerable public health issue in many countries around the world posing major physical, psychological, and economic burdens. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Siaya County, Kenya. The objective was to determine individual and community factors associated with dog bite occurrence. Systematic random sampling was used to select 421 primary respondents while purposive sampling was used to select key informants who had resided in Siaya County for a period of at least 12 months. Descriptive statistics was analyzed using percentages and proportions while chi square tests and binomial logistic regression were used to establish the association between the independent and dependent variables. Statistical significance level of 0.05 was established. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) Ethics Review Committee and permission to collect data was sought from Maseno University School of Graduate Studies (SGS), National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and Siaya County. Regarding individual and community factors, knowledge level was significantly associated with dog bite occurrence (χ² = 20.99, df = 1, p = 0.001). Households with inadequate knowledge had higher odds of experiencing dog bites compared with those with adequate knowledge (OR = 5.61, 95% CI: 2.49–12.62). Effectiveness of animal control services was also significantly associated with dog bite occurrence (χ² = 12.33, df = 2, p = 0.002), with households reporting ineffective animal control services having higher odds of dog bite occurrence than those reporting effective services (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.80–5.85). Dog bite occurrence in Siaya County is influenced primarily by knowledge levels and the effectiveness of animal control services, highlighting the importance of community-based education, responsible dog management, and strengthened One Health interventions in reducing dog bites.