School injury among Ottawa-area children: a population-based study
Jonathan M Josse1, Morag MacKay, Martin H Osmond
1School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Ontario, Canada. jjosse@yorku.ca
The Journal of School Health
|February 4, 2009
Summary
Canadian children are frequently injured at school, especially during play and informal sports. Strategies like environmental changes and better supervision can help prevent these common school injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric injury prevention
- Public health research
- School safety
Background:
- Injuries are a leading cause of death and significant cause of hospitalizations for Canadian children.
- This study investigated factors contributing to school-related injuries in Ottawa-area children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the likelihood of children sustaining injuries at school.
- To determine the most common types and mechanisms of school injuries.
- To inform prevention strategies for school-related injuries.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 24,074 children presenting to Ottawa hospitals and urgent care clinics in 2002.
- Multivariate logistic regression to assess factors linked to school injuries.
- Examination of injury types, mechanisms, and associated activities.
Main Results:
- 18% of all injuries (4,287 cases) occurred at school.
- Children aged 5-14 years had a higher likelihood of school injuries compared to older adolescents.
- Fractures and musculoskeletal injuries were most common, often occurring during playing or informal sports.
Conclusions:
- Informal recreation activities are high-risk periods for school injuries among children.
- Environmental modifications and enhanced supervision are recommended to reduce school injury rates.
