Related Experiment Videos
Domestic accidental injuries to children presenting at a rural general practice
1Department of Community Medicine and General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne.
Insights
This study identified common domestic childhood accidental injuries in rural Perlis. Falls, cuts, and thermal injuries were most frequent, highlighting the need for improved home safety and parental awareness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Domestic childhood accidental injuries pose a significant public health concern.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the incidence and types of domestic childhood accidental injuries in a rural Malaysian setting.
- To identify demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to these injuries.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 171 children (12 years and below) and their caregivers in Arau, Perlis.
- Data was collected using a pretested questionnaire focusing on injury details and contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Male children aged 6-12 years were most affected (male to female ratio 1.7:1).
- Top injuries included falls (28%), non-fall cuts/lacerations/bruises/punctures (26%), and thermal injuries (22%).
- Injuries predominantly affected limbs, occurred in house compounds for older children (4-12 years), and kitchens for younger children (<4 years).
Conclusions:
- Unsafe home environments, children's risk-taking behaviors, hazardous household products, and parental attitudes are key contributors to childhood injuries.
- Targeted interventions focusing on home safety and parental education are recommended to reduce domestic injury rates.
Abstract:
A survey of domestic childhood accidental injuries was conducted at a rural general practice in Arau, Perlis. Data was collected from parents or other caregivers of 171 children, aged 12 years and below, using a pretested questionnaire. Male children between the ages of 6 and 12 years were the most common group affected, with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. The three most common accidents were injuries from falls (28%), cuts, lacerations, bruises and puncture wounds not resulting from falls (26%), and thermal injuries (22%). The most commonly affected parts of the body were the limbs. Most injuries to children between ages 4 to 12 years occurred in the house compounds, while those to children below 4 years occurred in the kitchen and other locations within the house. Major contributing factors to the injuries were the existence of unsafe home environments, the risk taking activities of the children, the presence of hazardous products in the household and unrealistic parental attitudes to injury prevention.