Patterns, Prevalence, and Outcomes of Pediatric Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study From South India
Harikrishnan Elangovan1, Pranav Munnuswamy1
1Pediatrics, Government Villupuram Medical College, Villupuram, IND.
Insights
Pediatric trauma in South India is primarily caused by road accidents, burns, and falls, disproportionately affecting adolescent males. Targeted prevention strategies are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric trauma is a significant global health issue, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Comprehensive data on pediatric trauma in many Indian regions, including South India, is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric trauma.
- To identify the primary mechanisms and outcomes of pediatric trauma in Villupuram, South India.
Main Methods:
- A six-month prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Villupuram, South India.
- 438 pediatric trauma patients under 18 years were enrolled using purposive sampling.
- Data analysis involved IBM SPSS Statistics and chi-squared tests to determine significance (p<0.05).
Main Results:
- Males constituted 71% of the 438 pediatric trauma cases, with a mean age of 11.3 years.
- Road traffic accidents (63%), burns (27.4%), and falls from height (20.1%) were the leading causes of injury.
- Abrasions (41.6%) and lacerations (30.1%) were common, affecting the upper limb, head, and lower limb most frequently.
Conclusions:
- Road traffic accidents, burns, and falls are the predominant causes of pediatric trauma in South India, with adolescent males being the most affected group.
- Urgent implementation of targeted prevention measures, including road safety, burn prevention, and improved housing design, is recommended.
- Strengthening trauma systems and long-term rehabilitation services is essential for mitigating the impact of pediatric trauma.
Background:
Pediatric trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet many regions in India still lack comprehensive data.
Objective:
We evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics, mechanisms, and outcomes of pediatric trauma in Villupuram, South India.
Methods:
We conducted a six-month prospective study at a tertiary center in Villupuram, enrolling trauma patients under 18 years using purposive sampling. Exclusions included poisoning, bites, chronic conditions, psychiatric cases, and patients over 18. Data were collected via a structured proforma, with parental consent obtained. Patients were stratified into four age groups. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with chi-squared tests (p<0.05 significant).
Results:
We included 438 pediatric trauma cases. Males accounted for 71% of cases, with a mean age of 11.3 years. Roads represented the most frequent site of injury (63%). Two-wheeler accidents (29.5%), burns (27.4%), and falls from height (20.1%) were the leading mechanisms of trauma. Abrasions (41.6%) and lacerations (30.1%) were the most common injuries, and the upper limb, head, and lower limb were the most frequently affected anatomical sites.
Conclusion:
Pediatric trauma in South India is dominated by road traffic accidents, burns, and falls, with adolescent males disproportionately affected. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention, including road safety enforcement, burn prevention strategies, safer housing design, and strengthened trauma systems with long-term rehabilitation.
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