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Childhood near-drowning--a 12-year retrospective review
Insights
Near-drowning incidents disproportionately affect young children, with many occurring in swimming pools and buckets. Most children recovered, but some fatalities and neurological damage occurred, highlighting the need for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Near-drowning is a significant cause of injury and death in children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of near-drowning is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the epidemiological findings of near-drowning incidents in children admitted to a specific hospital.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with pediatric near-drowning.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 107 pediatric patients diagnosed with near-drowning.
- Data collected from Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital between 1976 and 1987.
- Analysis of patient demographics, accident circumstances, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- 77% of patients were under 5 years old, with a boy-to-girl ratio of 2.1:1.
- 46% of incidents occurred in swimming pools, 18% in buckets, and 9% in the sea.
- 76% of children recovered fully, 12% died, and 6% sustained neurological damage.
Conclusions:
- Near-drowning in young children is a significant public health issue, particularly in socially disadvantaged communities where bucket drownings are prevalent.
- The findings align with other hospital-based studies on near-drowning outcomes.
- Further research and targeted preventive strategies are essential to reduce the incidence and severity of pediatric near-drowning.
Abstract:
The epidemiological findings in 107 patients admitted to Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, between 1976 and 1987 with a diagnosis of near-drowning are reported. Of these patients, 77% were less than 5 years of age (ratio of boys to girls 2.1:1) and 46% of accidents occurred in swimming pools, 18% in buckets and only 9% in the sea. The high percentage of bucket near-drownings is unique in published medical reports; this appears prevalent in socially disadvantaged communities. Seventy-six per cent of the children were normal on discharge from hospital, 12% died and 6% had neurological damage. In 6% the final outcome was not known. These results are in keeping with other hospital-based studies. Preventive strategies are discussed and the need for further research highlighted.
