[Accidents in childhood and adolescence: a bibliographic review]

This study aims at reviewing the literature on accidents among young under the age of 15. Throughout Brazil, lesions and poisonings are responsible for 5 to 6 percent of total internments by the National Health System (SUS), generating 8 percent of the total hospital internment expenses. Sweden and Italy are the countries that have the lowest mortality rates related to external causes among youngsters under the age of 15. The rates of Denmark, Germany and Japan are regarded as intermediate. France, Belgium, Austria and Canada are regarded as countries with high mortality rates related to external causes among youngsters under the age of 15. Brazil together with the United States, Portugal, Mexico and Korea are considered countries with very high mortality rates related to childhood accidents, needing preventive actions. Furthermore, studies reinforce the importance of recognizing the nature and reality of childhood accidents in order to form a diagnosis that helps elaborate and accomplish specific prevention policies.