Factors contributing to human dog bite in the Khakhu Madala Local Area in the Thulamela Sub-District of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: As domestic animals, dogs have frequent interaction with humans, resulting in possible conflicts causing dog bite incidents. Dog bites result in physical injuries to, psychological trauma, emotional damage, and even fatalities. By ignoring human dog bite incidents, society continues to suffer health risks. Purpose of the study: This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to dogs biting humans in the Khakhu Madala local area in Thulamela, a sub-district of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A qualitative approach with an explorative and descriptive design was used to investigate the factors contributing to dogs biting humans in the Khakhu Madala local area. The population comprised dog bite victims registered on the Khakhu Madala Primary Health Care (PHC) facility's dog bite register from January 2018 to December 2019. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The unstructured in-depth face-to-face interviews allowed the participants to respond in the same manner with probing and follow-up questions to obtain thick and rich data. The researcher interviewed 25 participants until data saturation was reached. Tech’s eight steps criteria were used for data management and analysis, namely, data preparation and organisation, initial immersion, coding, and interpretation. Trustworthiness was achieved by ensuring data credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Findings: The following themes emerged: a lack of responsibility in the control of dogs by dog owners, aggression augmentation of dogs by providing them with indigenous plants and other variations, and structural and environmental factors. Recommendations: The recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. Future research is needed to address dog bite incidents; health workers should unite, communities should be informed, and laws should be reviewed to maximise safe