Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Childhood injuries in a tertiary institution in north east Nigeria
Issa Abdul Razaq Esin1, Sikiru Alabi, Oluwagbemiga Abdul Razzaq Lawal
1Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, Nigeria.
Insights
Childhood injuries in north east Nigeria are preventable. This study found burns and pedestrian accidents were common causes, highlighting the need for education and policy changes to reduce child injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric injury epidemiology
- Public health research
- Injury prevention strategies
Background:
- Childhood injury is a significant, preventable cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for effective prevention in North East Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the etiology, pattern, and location of childhood injuries in North East Nigeria.
- To provide data for targeted injury prevention interventions.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year retrospective, hospital-based descriptive study.
- Analysis of 114 pediatric case files (January 2007-December 2009).
- Data collected on demographics, injury mechanism, location, anatomical site, and outcome.
Main Results:
- Highest injury incidence in the 6-10 years age group.
- Home injuries (burns) common in 0-5 years; street/highway injuries (pedestrian accidents) in older children.
- Head injuries and limb fractures were most common; 1.8% mortality.
Conclusions:
- Study provides essential data on childhood injury characteristics in the region.
- Recommends enhanced parent/child education on injury risks and prevention.
- Advocates for legislation, policy, and environmental modifications to reduce childhood injuries.
Background:
Injury has been recognised as a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The aim of this study was to determine the aetiology, pattern and location of childhood injuries in north east Nigeria.
Materials And Methods:
This is a 3-year retrospective hospital-based descriptive study. The study included 114 children (77 boys, 37 girls; mean age 6.4 ± 3.2 years; range 2 months to 15 years) who were admitted for various injuries in the female/paediatric surgical ward from January 2007 to December 2009. Information obtained from their case notes included demographic data, mechanism of injury, location of injury, anatomical site of injury and outcome of treatment.
Results:
Records for 114 children (77 boys, 37 girls; mean age 6.2 years; range 2 months to 15 years) were available for analysis. The highest number of injuries occurred in the age group 6-10 years. Home was the most common location of injury among the age group 0-5 years while older children sustained most of their injuries outside the home on the street/highways. Burns from hot water was the most common injury among children aged 0-5 years while pedestrian accident accounted for the highest cause of injury among older children. Fall accounted for 20.2% of the injuries. The most common specific anatomic injury was head injury followed by limb fractures. Two mortalities were recorded (1.8%).
Conclusion:
This study provided useful information on the characteristics of childhood injuries in our environment. There is the need for parents and children education about the risks of injury and preventive measures in addition to legislation and policy on environmental modifications and enforcements to significantly reduce childhood injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...