Descriptive epidemiology of the injuries caused by the Chaharshanbeh Soori ceremony in Fars province in 2022

Fireworks are widely used worldwide for their visual and auditory appeal. However, they pose significant safety risks, particularly to children and young adults, many of whom sustain serious injuries from exposure to these pyrotechnic devices. Given the preventable nature of such incidents and their associated challenges, this study aims to examine the epidemiological impact of injuries caused by fireworks during the Chaharshanbeh Soori ceremony in Fars Province.

This cross-sectional study included all individuals who experienced injuries between March 6, 2022, and April 4, 2022. Data were collected by emergency technicians affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation [SD] and frequency [%]) and analytical methods, specifically the chi-square test.

A total of 79 individuals were injured, with a mean age of 19.4 ± 11.5 years. The majority of the injured were male (73, 92.4%). Most injuries (66, 83.5%) occurred unintentionally, and 9 patients (11.4%) reported headache as a symptom, while 7 patients (8.9%) experienced visual disorders. Among those who received treatment, eye injuries were the most common (17, 26.2%). A significant difference was observed in recovery based on the injured body part; hand injuries had the highest recovery rate (6, 42.9%), compared to other injuries (p less than 0.029).

The findings indicate that fireworks-related accidents during the Chaharshanbeh Soori ceremony predominantly affect teenagers and young adults, often occurring unintentionally. Given the significant physical, financial, and long-term consequences of these injuries, this study's results can inform policymakers in implementing preventive measures. Additionally, it highlights the need to raise awareness among the public and relevant authorities to ensure safer conduct of such ceremonies in the future.