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Updated: May 17, 2026
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
Non fatal injuries among infants: a pilot study
Seema Lasi1, Ghazala Rafique, Habib Peermohammad
1Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi. seema.laasi@aku.edu
Insights
Infant injuries are a significant concern in Pakistan, with higher rates observed in suburban areas and among female children. Community-based interventions are needed to raise awareness and prevent these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infant injuries pose a significant public health challenge globally.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, nature, and extent of infant injuries in Pakistani suburban and rural communities.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 310 infants in Pakistan.
- Data collected from primary caregivers on injuries within the preceding three months.
- Injuries requiring home or hospital treatment were recorded.
Main Results:
- The incidence of non-fatal infant injury was 19 per 100 child-years.
- Suburban areas reported higher injury rates (26/100 child-years) than rural areas (13/100 child-years).
- Female infants experienced injuries at a higher ratio (1:2.2) compared to males.
Conclusions:
- Infant injuries are notably prevalent, particularly in suburban settings and among female infants.
- There is an urgent need for community-based interventions to enhance awareness and prevention.
- Targeted strategies are required to address the specific risks faced by infants in different community settings.
Objective:
To determine the incidence, nature and the extent of infant injuries in two suburban and rural communities of Pakistan.
Methods:
The cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of 310 infants in suburban and rural communities of Pakistan in September 2007. The information was collected from primary care-givers based on any injury that had occurred to their infants during the preceding 3 months that required treatment at home or in a hospital.
Result:
The incidence of non-fatal injury for infants up to 1-year-old was found to be 19 injuries per 100 person (child) years of exposure (95% CI 9.90 - 27.21). In suburban area, the rate was 26 injuries/100 person (child) years (95 % CI 15.37 - 35.71), while in rural area, it was 13 injuries/100 person (child) years of exposure (95 % CI 4.79-18.39). Altogether, 13 episodes of injury were reported among infants in both the communities. The male to female infant ratio for injury was 1:2.2. Suburban area had more than double injuries compared to the rural area.
Conclusion:
The magnitude of infant injuries was quite significant, especially among suburban and female children. There is a dire need to develop community-based interventions creating awareness on the matter.
