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Epidemiology and pattern of paediatric injuries in a developing country: an analysis of 170 injuries
Ndubuisi O Onyemaechi1, Adaobi I Bisi-Onyemaechi2, Obinna C Nduagubam3
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria.
Insights
Paediatric injuries in Enugu, Nigeria, are primarily caused by road traffic crashes and falls, affecting males more than females. Most children recover fully, but a 5.8% mortality rate highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Paediatric injuries pose significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens.
- Understanding the epidemiology and patterns of these injuries is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiology and injury patterns of paediatric patients presenting to a teaching hospital in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted on paediatric patients (<18 years) presenting to the Accident and Emergency department.
- Data were collected for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2015.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0.
Main Results:
- 120 injured paediatric patients (10.1% of total) were identified, with 170 injuries.
- Road traffic crashes and falls were the leading causes, significantly correlated with age.
- Adolescents (12-17 years) and males were predominantly affected; common injuries included bruises, lacerations, abrasions, and fractures.
- Injuries occurred most frequently roadside/street (35%), school (23.3%), and home (21.7%).
- The mortality rate was 5.8%, with 67.5% of children achieving full recovery.
Conclusions:
- Road traffic crashes and falls are the primary causes of paediatric injuries in this region.
- Soft tissue trauma and fractures are the most common injury types, occurring frequently in roadside, school, and home environments.
- Preventive measures targeting common causes and locations, alongside prompt treatment and rehabilitation, are essential to mitigate the impact of childhood injuries.
Background:
Paediatric injuries have significant physical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology and pattern of paediatric injuries presenting at a teaching hospital in Enugu South-East Nigeria.
Methods:
A retrospective study of injured patients less than 18 years who presented to the Accident and Emergency department of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, in Enugu Nigeria, was conducted from 1st January to 31st December 2015. Analysis of data was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0.
Results:
A total of 1191 children presented to the hospital within the study period and 120 injured paediatric patients (10.1%) with 170 injuries were attended to in the A & E. Adolescents (12 - 17 years) accounted for 34.2% of injuries and males (70%) were more affected than the females. Road traffic crashes and falls were the most common causes of paediatric injuries. There was a significant correlation between age of the children and the aetiology of the injuries (X2 = 28.08, p = 0.001). Bruises/lacerations/abrasions (27.6%) and fractures (27.1%) were the most common types of injuries sustained. The injury severity score (ISS) of the patients ranged from 1-25 with a mean of 6.4 + 2.8. Roadside/street (35%), school (23.3%) and home (21.7%) were the main locations where injuries occurred. Mean injury-arrival interval was 1.2 + 0.7 days. Majority (67.5%) of children had full recovery and the mortality rate was 5.8%.
Conclusion:
Road traffic crashes and falls were the most common cause of paediatric injuries. Soft tissue trauma and fractures were the predominant types of injuries. Roadside, school and home were the leading locations of childhood injuries. Prevention of road traffic crashes and falls, prompt treatment of injuries, and rehabilitation of injured children will reduce the negative impact of paediatric injuries.
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