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Trauma among Hispanic children: a population-based study in a regionalized system of trauma care
R M Matteucci1, T L Holbrook, D B Hoyt
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego 92103-8213, USA.
Insights
Hispanic children experienced higher rates of pedestrian and motor vehicle-related injuries, with lower seatbelt and car seat usage compared to non-Hispanic White children. Injury incidence rates were similar across ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric injury epidemiology
- Public health
- Trauma systems research
Background:
- Childhood injuries represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding ethnic disparities in injury patterns is crucial for targeted prevention.
- Previous research indicates potential differences in injury mechanisms among diverse pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ethnic differences in injury incidence and mechanisms among children in the San Diego County Regionalized Trauma System.
- To compare pedestrian, fall, motor vehicle, and pedal cycle injury patterns between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children.
- To assess the role of restraint use in motor vehicle and pedal cycle injuries by ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of injured children (newborn to 14 years) from 1985-1990.
- Analysis of data from the San Diego County Regionalized Trauma System.
- Comparison of injury incidence and odds ratios (OR) for specific injury mechanisms and restraint use between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall injury incidence rates between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White children.
- Hispanic children had a higher likelihood of being struck as pedestrians (OR = 1.5) and a lower likelihood of injury from falls (OR = 0.7).
- Hispanic children were significantly more likely to have not used seatbelts (OR = 4.0) or car seats (OR = 3.7) during motor vehicle and pedal cycle incidents.
Conclusions:
- While overall injury rates were similar, specific injury mechanisms and associated risk factors differ by ethnicity in pediatric trauma.
- Targeted injury prevention strategies focusing on pedestrian safety and appropriate restraint use are needed for Hispanic children.
- Trauma system data can reveal ethnic disparities in pediatric injury patterns, informing public health interventions.
Abstract:
We studied 1164 injured Hispanic and 2560 injured non-Hispanic White children newborn through 14 years triaged to the San Diego County Regionalized Trauma System from 1985 through 1990. Incidence rates did not differ by ethnic group. Hispanic children were more likely to be struck as pedestrians (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5) and less likely to be injured in falls (OR = 0.7) than non-Hispanic White children. For motor vehicle and pedal cycle injuries, Hispanic children were more likely not to have been restrained by seatbelts (OR = 4.0) or car seats (OR = 3.7).