Predictors of unintentional childhood injuries seen at the Accident and Emergency Units of three tertiary health care centres in Jos

Abstract

Background: Unintentional childhood injuries pose a major health challenge especially in developing countries.

Aim: This study sought to determine the predictors of unintentional childhood injuries in the three tertiary health centres studied.

Methods: The study was a cross- sectional study. Sociodemographic data, history and physical examination, type of injury and the outcomes were obtained using structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 174 children were enrolled, 108 (62.1%) were males and 66 (37.9%) were females; 63 (36.2%) were < 5years while 65 (37.4%) were>10 years. Of the injuries observed; 99 (56.9%) were by vehicular objects, 15 (8.6%) were burns, 41 (23.6%) were from falls and 19 (10.9%) poisoning. Those who were treated as outpatients were 141 (81.0%) and 25 (14.4%) were admitted for inpatient care. About ninety four percent (94.3%) of the children had no significant effect or disability, 3.4% had short-term disability while 2.3% had long term disabilities or died post-injury. There was no statistically significant relationship between the age of the subjects, gender, duration of the injury prior to presentation and the educational status of their care givers with the pattern of the injury.

Conclusion: This study showed that 81% (141) of the children studied were treated as outpatients, 56.9% were by vehicular objects, 62.1% were in males and the pattern of injuries were not related to age, gender, educational status of care givers, place or time of injuries. There is need to incorporate these findings in the provision of preventive messages in school health services and in the interventions targeting the safety of children against injuries. Further studies to identify risk factors and plan necessary interventions will also be necessary.

Keywords: Predictors, unintentional, childhood injuries, emergency departments, out-patient, tertiary health centres