Delay in Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and Associated Factors Among People Bitten by Animals in the Northeast of Iran, 2015

Abstract

Background: Despite the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), studies conducted in Iran on PEP showed different findings and it is not well documented yet. Objectives:The current study aimed to evaluate the delayed time of PEP and associated factors in bitten people. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 397 subjects of animal bites in Khalilabad County, Northeast of Iran, from March 2012 to March 2013. The census method was employed to use the data on animal bites recorded in the rabies treatment center (RTC).Results: Overall, 93.4% of the subjects received PEP in less than 48 hours after exposure. Of the 397 subjects, 86.0% were male, 61.7% aged 0 -30 years, and 64.7% lived in rural areas. The subjects were mainly bitten by domestic dogs (79.8%), most of the subjects (91.9%) were involved with superficial wounds, and the most common sites of the animal bite were legs (48.1%) and hands (40.6%). The bite incidents happened more frequently in spring (29.2%) followed by summer (26.7%). There was only significant difference in delayed PEP with respect to the type of biting animal (x 2 = 30.8, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The rabies PEP is well monitored in the region and its delayed time depends on the type of biting animal especially domestic dogs. Considering the high proportion of stray and domestic dogs as a public health concern in the district, the educational programs and the rabies vaccinations of dogs is recommended in the community.

Epidemiology of Animal Bites and Associated Factors with Delay in Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; A Cross-Sectional Study

“…There was also a significant correlation between delayed PEP and type of Season of bite. In concordance with a similar study [ 5 ]. According to our finding, a significant relationship was observed between delayed PEP and number of injuries.…”

“…Another study carried out in one of the provinces in west Iran (Hamadan province) showed that 425 cases of animal bites were reported from February 2011 to February 2012 [ 4 ]. Furthermore, the study by Khazaei et al ., [ 5 ]. Another study in Quechan city in 2013 reported an incidence of 442 animal bites per 100 000 people [ 15 ].…”

“…For example, a study to clarify the associated factors with the delay in post-exposure exposure (PEP) in Tuysekan, West of Iran, reported that cases of animal bites were 423 per 100,000 from February 2011 to February 2012 [ 4 ]. Another report from Khalilabad County, Northeast of Iran, also showed that the incidence of animal bites were 1,100 per 100,000 from March 2012 to March 2013 [ 5 ]. The same situation has been reported from Fars province (South of Iran) with the prevalence of 154.4 per 100,000 people [ 6 ].…”

Factors Associated with Delayed Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among Dog Bite Victims in Nyagatare District, Rwanda, 2017 to 2019

“…This finding is different to the finding of Khazaei in the study conducted in Iran where the delay of PEP was quite the same in rural 7% and urban 5.7%. [17] On other hand, our finding corroborates with what found in the study conducted in Kenya. [18] Considering the possession of medical insurance, dog bites victims who did not owned a medical insurance were 5.3(95% CI, 2.3-12.1) times higher to delay for rabies PEP, this could be attributed to the fear of the cost of PEP.…”