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Injuries in Ontario farm children: a population based study
1Bureau of Reproductive and Child Health, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
Summary
Farm children aged 0-18 years experience varying injury rates and patterns, with younger children and boys at higher risk. Prevention strategies should consider age-specific risk factors for farm injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric injury epidemiology
- Agricultural safety research
Background:
- Farm environments pose unique injury risks to children.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for developing targeted safety interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine injury rates, patterns, and risk factors in a large cohort of Ontario farm children (aged 0-18).
Main Methods:
- Population-based mail survey of 1,765 Ontario farms.
- Data collected retrospectively from parents regarding child injuries and risk factors.
- Injury rates calculated per person-years at risk; logistic regression used for risk factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Age-specific injury rates varied (6.3-22.6/1000 person-years), peaking in 1-4 year olds.
- Boys had higher injury rates. Most common injuries included open head/face wounds and upper extremity fractures.
- Falls and machinery were common injury mechanisms; summer had peak occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Injury patterns and risk factors in farm children are diverse and age-dependent.
- Age-specific data are essential for effective farm injury prevention programs.