An evaluation of a dog bite prevention intervention in the pediatric emergency department.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a video-based dog bite prevention intervention at increasing child knowledge and describe any associated factors and to assess the acceptability of providing this intervention in a pediatric emergency department (PED).


METHODS
This cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study enrolled a convenience sample of 5-year-old to 9-year-old patients and their parents, presenting to a PED with nonurgent complaints or dog bites. Children completed a 14-point simulated scenario test used to measure knowledge about safe dog interactions before and after a video intervention. Based on previous research, a passing score (≥ 11/14) was defined a priori. Parents completed surveys regarding sociodemographics, dog-related experiential history, and the intervention.


RESULTS
There were 120 child-parent pairs. Mean (SD) child age was 7 (1) years, and 55% were male. Of the parents, 70% were white, two thirds had higher than high school education, and half had incomes less than $40,000. Current dog ownership was 77%; only 6% of children had received previous dog bite prevention education. Test pass rate was 58% before the intervention and 90% after the intervention. Knowledge score increased in 83% of children; greatest increases were in questions involving stray dogs or dogs that were fenced or eating. Younger child age was the only predictor of failing the posttest (p < 0.001). Nearly all parents found the intervention informative; 93% supported providing the intervention in the PED.


CONCLUSIONS
Child knowledge of dog bite prevention is poor. The video-based intervention we tested seems efficacious at increasing short-term knowledge in 5-year-old to 9-year-old children and is acceptable to parents. Parents strongly supported providing this education.
From the Division of Emergency Medicine (C.A.D., W.J.P., E.M.M.-G.), and Center for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics (C.A.D.), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Department of Emergency Medicine (K.W.H., C.J.L.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cinnamon A
CA
Dixon
Wendy J
WJ
Pomerantz
Kimberly W
KW
Hart
Christopher J
CJ
Lindsell
E Melinda
EM
Mahabee-Gittens
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004285:Dogs; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013690:Television