Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Dog bites are the most common animal bite injuries treated in emergency departments. Studies have shown a disproportional distribution of dog bites within demographics such as age group, ethnicity, and sex. This study aimed to identify the demographic groups with the highest prevalence of dog bites, analyze the relationship between injury type and gender, and explore the association between injury location and gender. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (2018-2022) were analyzed using ICD-10 code W54.0XXA, specific for dog bite incidents. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity were extracted, and chi-square tests with Benjamini-Hochberg adjustments were performed to evaluate associations. A significant association was found between age and dog bite frequency (p < .001) with children accounting for 34.8% of incidents and the elderly 4.7%. Injury type was also varied by gender (p < .001), with males experiencing more fractures (10.5% vs. 7.9%) and females more lacerations (60.8% vs. 64.5%). Injury location showed gender disparities (p < .001); males had more genital injuries (49 vs. 1), while females experienced more forearm injuries (141 vs. 69). These findings underscore the importance of demographic specific prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of dog bites. Furthermore, the study revealed the relationship between sex and injury type in addition to injury location. The distribution of these findings underscores the pertinence of implementing public health efforts to educate high-risk groups and address disparities in injury patterns.
Recommended Citation
Holubar, Ashlyn; Torres, Jocelyn; Guillory, Mary Arden; Saldhi, Saloni; Ortigoza Martinez, Isabella; Padhi, Shalika; and Baker, Kelsey, "Dog Bite Prevalence and Severity within Demographics: Age, Ethnicity, and Sex." (2025). Research Symposium. 26.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/26
Included in
Dog Bite Prevalence and Severity within Demographics: Age, Ethnicity, and Sex.
Dog bites are the most common animal bite injuries treated in emergency departments. Studies have shown a disproportional distribution of dog bites within demographics such as age group, ethnicity, and sex. This study aimed to identify the demographic groups with the highest prevalence of dog bites, analyze the relationship between injury type and gender, and explore the association between injury location and gender. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (2018-2022) were analyzed using ICD-10 code W54.0XXA, specific for dog bite incidents. Demographic factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity were extracted, and chi-square tests with Benjamini-Hochberg adjustments were performed to evaluate associations. A significant association was found between age and dog bite frequency (p < .001) with children accounting for 34.8% of incidents and the elderly 4.7%. Injury type was also varied by gender (p < .001), with males experiencing more fractures (10.5% vs. 7.9%) and females more lacerations (60.8% vs. 64.5%). Injury location showed gender disparities (p < .001); males had more genital injuries (49 vs. 1), while females experienced more forearm injuries (141 vs. 69). These findings underscore the importance of demographic specific prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of dog bites. Furthermore, the study revealed the relationship between sex and injury type in addition to injury location. The distribution of these findings underscores the pertinence of implementing public health efforts to educate high-risk groups and address disparities in injury patterns.
