Motor vehicle injuries in childhood: a hospital-based study in Saudi Arabia

Motor vehicles are a major cause of injury-related deaths in children and may also result in temporary or permanent disability. A retrospective analysis of the medical charts of children aged 12 years and younger, who were involved in motor vehicle injuries during a 10-year period, was undertaken. All children who were admitted and treated at King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh from January 1994 to December 2003 were included in this study. Data analyzed included age, gender, and mechanism of injury, type of injury, management and outcome. Motor vehicle injuries accounted for approximately 42% of all pediatric traumas. There were 664 children, 469 (71%) male and 195 (29%) female and a male: female ratio 2.4:1. Four hundred and seventy two children were injured as pedestrians (71%), 177 as auto passengers (27%), 11 as bicyclists (1.5%), and 4 as motorcyclists (0.5%). Five hundred and sixty two injured children (85%) were between the ages of 1 and 8 years. The most common injuries were to the head and extremities. Thirty-four children (5.1%) died from their injuries, 30 from head trauma. Thirty-five children (5.3%) were discharged home with neurological impairment from head trauma. In this study, the risk factors associated with high volume of motor vehicle injuries in children include, male, 1-8 years, and pedestrian. Head trauma is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. This study suggests that nationwide programs should target the use of seatbelts and helmets, and dangerous driving practices.