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Pediatric trauma during the COVID-19 lockdown: caregiver abuse and self-harm in a vulnerable population
Yang Yang Lee1, Lynette Mee Ann Loo2, Eileen Oh3
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat-University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. yang_yang_lee@nuhs.edu.sg.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic altered pediatric trauma patterns, with increased home falls, deliberate self-harm, and caregiver abuse. Vehicular accidents decreased, highlighting societal impacts during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant societal changes globally.
- Understanding the pandemic's impact on pediatric trauma is crucial for public health.
- Previous research has indicated shifts in injury patterns during public health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric trauma cases.
- To analyze changes in trauma incidence and patterns in Singapore.
- To test the hypothesis of reduced major trauma incidents during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study at a single center (National University Hospital, Singapore).
- Included pediatric patients with trauma (ICD-9 codes) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 8.
- Stratified data into pre-pandemic (Jan 2015-Mar 2020) and pandemic (Apr 2020-Jul 2021) periods.
Main Results:
- 254 pediatric trauma cases analyzed: 201 pre-pandemic, 53 during the pandemic.
- Shift in injury patterns observed: increased home falls, decreased vehicular accidents.
- Significant rise in deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse cases during the pandemic.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered pediatric trauma demographics and injury types.
- Increased rates of deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse during the pandemic warrant attention.
- Proactive measures are needed to address physical and psychological stressors in vulnerable populations during future pandemics.
Purpose:
This retrospective cohort study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric trauma cases in Singapore's National University Hospital from January 2015 to July 2021. The pandemic prompted unprecedented measures, altering societal dynamics. The study hypothesizes a reduction in major trauma incidents during the pandemic period.
Methods:
This is a single-center retrospective study including all pediatric patients presenting with trauma-related ICD-9 codes, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 8. Patients were stratified into two time periods: pre-pandemic (January 2015 to March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020 to July 2021) periods.
Results:
Out of 254 pediatric trauma cases, 201 occurred pre-pandemic, and 53 during the pandemic. While overall trauma incidence remained similar, the pandemic period saw a shift in injury patterns. Home-based falls increased, vehicular accidents decreased, while deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse rose significantly. The incidence of serious trauma attributed to non-accidental injury increased during the pandemic.
Conclusion:
The study reveals changing trauma patterns, emphasizing the importance of understanding societal impacts during pandemics. Notably cases of deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse surged, echoing global concerns highlighted in other studies during the pandemic. The study underscores the need to preempt physical and psychological stressors in vulnerable populations during future pandemics.
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