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Morbidity and Mortality of Drowning Children in Jerusalem District - Retrospective Analysis
Maor Chavkin1, Lea Ohana Sarna Cahan1,2, Itai Shavit1,2
1Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Pediatric drowning is a major concern, with most incidents occurring in pools. Younger children, minority groups, and weekend drownings face higher risks, requiring targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Drowning is a significant cause of preventable pediatric morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding risk factors and circumstances is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors, circumstances, and medical outcomes of pediatric drowning.
- To identify patterns for targeted prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric drowning cases (0-18 years).
- Data collected from Hadassah Medical Centers (2004-2023).
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of 'drowning' or 'submersion'.
Main Results:
- 129 pediatric drowning cases analyzed; 66% male, average age 4.9 years.
- Most common locations: private (38%) and public pools (27.1%).
- 48% required intensive care; Arab minority children and weekend incidents showed higher risk for severe outcomes and rehabilitation needs.
Conclusions:
- Drowning prevention strategies must address feasibility challenges.
- Interventions should target high-risk groups: younger children, minority populations, and weekend incidents.
Background:
Drowning persists as a preventable pediatric cause of severe morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the risk factors, circumstances, and medical consequences associated with pediatric drowning incidents in order to identify patterns that can inform targeted interventions.
Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of pediatric drowning cases. The study encompassed children aged 0-18 years who presented to the pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) of Hadassah Medical Centers in Jerusalem from January 1, 2004 through April 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria were individuals with main registration diagnosis containing the terms "drowning" or "submersion."
Results:
Analysis revealed 129 cases of pediatric drowning, males comprising 66% of the cohort. The average age was 4.9 years (SD = 4.5). Predominantly, drownings occurred in private (38%) or public pools (27.1%). Forty-eight percent of children required hospitalization in intensive care. Notably, children from the Arab minority were significantly younger at the time of drowning (3.8 years; P = .04) and were at elevated risk of severe neurologic outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .03). Incidents occurring on weekends were associated with younger victim ages (3.5 years; P = .04) and with increased likelihood of outcomes necessitating rehabilitation (P = .04). Conversely, children from families with four or more siblings were notably older at the time of drowning (5.3 years; P = .01). No other statistically significant differences were observed among demographic groups.
Conclusions:
Strategies aimed at promoting child health and preventing drowning must surmount feasibility barriers. Intervention efforts should be tailored to populations at heightened risk, including younger children, minority groups, and incidents occurring during weekends.
