Palomares, Geraldine Arellano

Abstract:Introduction: Health-seeking behavior in dog bite patients refers to individuals' choices in seeking medical care based on factors like injury severity and healthcare access. There are common barriers to seeking health care, such as inaccessibility of health facilities and insufficient money to buy a vaccine. Hence, a study on the health-seeking behavior of dog bite patients is believed to provide additional information to health workers so that they can conduct programs and activities to improve or enhance the health-seeking behavior of the people. Objectives: The study dealt with the health-seeking behavior of dog bite patients in the three selected municipalities in the first and second districts of Ilocos Sur for the Calendar Year 2021. It determined the relationship between the health-seeking behavior and the socio-demographic and dog bite-related factors of the respondents. Methods: The study used the descriptive-correlational method of research. All 129 dog bite patients from the municipalities of Santa, Santo Domingo, and Magsingal for the period January to July 2021 served as the study's respondents. Results: The respondents' health-seeking behavior was described as Good. Among the three key indicators, perceived susceptibility obtained the highest mean rating, indicating strong awareness of their vulnerability to health risks. While no significant correlations were observed between most socio-demographic factors and health-seeking behavior, family membership classification and age showed significant relationships with overall health-seeking behavior. Conclusions: The level of health-seeking behavior results from the respondents’ adherence to the health workers' advice in the animal bite center where they sought consultation. Health workers must always conduct health education in routine follow-ups, focusing on the benefit of proper wound care for dog bites and receiving prescribed immunizations to improve health-seeking behavior. The Animal Bite Centers are encouraged monitor and encourage the community to ensure compliance with the vaccination of dogs and dog bite patients.