Pattern and Outcome of Non-Incidental Injuries in Children: reports from a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Domestic accidents and the resulting injuries are major global health concerns, especially when children are affected. Household accidents result in morbidity and mortality in children but are often neglected compared to the attention given to other childhood illnesses.

This is a case series of 6 children involved in domestic accidents due to the caregivers' negligence. The patients presented at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Domestic accidents can result from falls from height leading to traumatic brain injury, which can be mild, moderate or severe. All the falls in this case series were preventable. Therefore, it is recommended that safety measures should be instituted at home and wherever children are to prevent any accident which can lead to physical injury and indirectly impact the parents, guardians and family.