Injuries to pre-school children in a home setting: patterns and related products

The current study was undertaken to examine the most typical circumstances of and products related to injuries to pre-school children at home, and to establish the extent to which any injury patterns found were age- or gender-related. Data were taken from a community-based injury register built up over a 1-y period in a Swedish county. Injury incidence by gender and age was calculated, and typical injury patterns were identified through analysis of seven characteristics of the injuries, employing multivariate techniques. Injury incidence was higher for children aged 1 and 2 y, and for boys at all pre-school ages. Five typical injury patterns were identified, and their relation to gender and age highlighted. It is concluded that a focus on passive protection is likely to offer the most effective means of prevention. This could be achieved by safer home designs, building structures, items of equipment and products.