Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Shifts in Paediatric Road Trauma Dynamics Pre- vs. Post-COVID-19 Lockdown: Insights from a Major Trauma Centre
Rayan Jafnan Alharbi1, Hussin Albargi2, Ateeq Almuwallad2
1Department of Emergency Medical Service, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Al Maarefah Rd, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia. rjalharbi@jazanu.edu.sa.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 44.2% rise in paediatric road trauma cases post-lockdown, with increased head injuries and a shift in transport methods. These findings highlight the pandemic's impact on child safety.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global public health, including paediatric road trauma.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in paediatric road trauma presentations and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown.
- To identify specific demographic and injury pattern shifts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of paediatric trauma data from the Saudi TraumA Registry (STAR) between August 2017 and December 2022.
- Comparison of pre-lockdown (August 2017-March 2020) and post-lockdown (July 2020-December 2022) periods.
- Analysis included demographics, injury mechanisms, severity, ICU admissions, and mortality rates using multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- A 44.2% increase in paediatric road trauma cases was observed post-lockdown.
- The 5-9 year age group showed a significant increase in cases.
- Head injuries remained the most prevalent injury type, with a slight increase in proportion post-lockdown. Mode of arrival shifted towards ambulances.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted paediatric road trauma, with an increase in cases post-lockdown.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and community-wide collaboration to reduce paediatric traffic injuries.
- Societal changes resulting from the pandemic have profound effects on child health and safety.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes globally, significantly affecting public health sectors, including paediatric road trauma. This study aims to explore the changes in paediatric road trauma presentations and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Methods:
This retrospective study analysed paediatric trauma data from the Saudi TraumA Registry (STAR) from August 2017 to December 2022, comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown periods (August 2017-March 2020 and July 2020-December 2022, respectively). The study analysed demographic data, mechanism of injury, severity, ICU admissions, and mortality rates using multivariate logistic regression models.
Results:
Out of 950 paediatric trauma cases analysed, there was an 44.2 [561/389 = 1.442] % increase in the number of cases post-lockdown. A significant shift was noted in the age group of 5-9 years, with cases increasing from post-lockdown. Head injuries were the most prevalent type of injury, with their proportion slightly increasing from 163 (20.5%) pre-lockdown to 248 (23.2%) post-lockdown. The ICU admission were consistent across both periods, while the definitive care mode of arrival post-lockdown showed a notable shift towards private or government ambulances.
Conclusion:
Our study provides critical insights into the significant impact of the COVID-19 on paediatric road trauma. The observed increase in trauma cases post-pandemic, particularly among younger children and a notable rise in driver-related injuries among adolescents, underscores the profound effect of lockdown measures and subsequent societal changes on paediatric health. Efforts to reduce paediatric traffic injuries require collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community at large.
