Pattern of unintentional childhood injuries seen at the accident and emergency (A&E) departments of three tertiary health care centres in Jos

Abstract

Background: Unintentional childhood injuries are a growing public health and developmental issue globally.

Objective: This study set out to determine the pattern of unintentional childhood injuries in three tertiary health care centres in Jos, Plateau state.

Methods: This study was a cross sectional study. A total of 174 children with unintentional injuries whose parents or guardian's consented were enrolled at the emergency units over a four months period. Socio-demographic data, history, physical examination findings were obtained using structured questionnaires. Data was analysed withEPI-INFO. Version 3.51 software.

Results: A total of 174 children were seen in the course of the study, 108 (62.1%) were males; 63 (36.2%) were < 5years while 65 (37.4%) were >10 years. Road related injuries accounted for 56.9% of the documented injuries while 25.9% occurred around the home environment. Of all 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%) were poison related.

Conclusion: Injuries continue to be among the causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study showed a preponderance of vehicular related unintentional injury among the children studied with males more affected.

Keywords: Pattern, Unintentional, Childhood injuries