Exploring the social and organizational factors influencing dog bites: a qualitative study

Abstract Introduction Dog bites, a public health problem of global concern, have been causing increasing worries in the health system. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the social and organizational-political factors that influence dog bites in Khash County, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. Methods This qualitative study delved into the factors affecting dog bites using guided content analysis. A purposive sampling of 41 participants (residents, bitten individuals, families, and institutional officials) was conducted between March 2025and June 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with MAXQDA 12 software, ensuring a thorough understanding of the issue. Results The factors were classified into four main categories at two social and organizational-political levels: Cultural factors include beliefs and attitudes in keeping semi-free dogs and irresponsibility of dog owners; Behavioral factors include risky behaviors, inappropriate interactions with dogs, and vulnerability of specific groups such as children and the elderly; organizational-political factors include inter-institutional incoherence and lack of sustainable funding; and facilitators include institutional capacities and social demands. Discussion The findings underscore the need for integrated interventions to manage and prevent dog bites. These interventions, which should be implemented at both local and national levels, include local education in the Balochi dialect, strengthening inter-institutional coordination, and sustainable budget allocation. National policies can create a preventive environment to reduce the burden of this problem by empowering local communities, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing this issue.