Home Is Not Always Safe: Pediatric Unintentional Home Injuries in a Tertiary Emergency Department Setting

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Unintentional home injuries (UHIs) represent a significant, preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
• Understanding the epidemiological patterns of pediatric UHIs is vital for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, injury mechanisms, and clinical outcomes of pediatric unintentional home injuries.
• To identify risk factors for hospitalization and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients under 18 diagnosed with UHIs between 2016 and 2024.
• Statistical analysis of demographic data, injury types, treatments, and outcomes including hospital and PICU admissions.

Main Results:

• UHIs accounted for 1.4% of Pediatric Emergency Department visits, with falls, burns, and aspirations being the most common causes.
• Children under five, particularly males, were most affected. Hospitalization and PICU admission rates were 11.7% and 1.2%, respectively.
• A rise in admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic was noted; younger age and specific injury types predicted severe outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Falls, burns, and foreign body aspirations are leading causes of pediatric UHIs, with a high incidence in the 2-4 age group.
• Enhanced caregiver supervision and safer home environments are critical for reducing pediatric unintentional home injuries.
• Targeted prevention programs are essential to mitigate the impact of UHIs on children and healthcare systems.