Frequency and Patterns of Unintentional Injuries among Children Aged Less than 14 Years in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research Vol. 17; no. 12; pp. 05 - 09
• Main Authors: Sivagamasundari, V, Appandraj, S, Devi, T Parvathy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 01.12.2023
• Subjects: accidental falls; accidental injuries; parents; poisoning
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2023/62494.18816

Introduction: Unintentional injuries occur very frequently in the paediatric age group. The major causes leading to unintentional injuries, such as poisoning, fires, drowning, and accidents, can vary according to age. Most of these injuries are preventable by modifying the child's environment or providing adult supervision. Aim: To study the frequency and patterns of unintentional injuries in the paediatric age group under 14 years in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the paediatric Outpatient Department (OPD) and emergency Department of Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India from June to November 2019. A total of 220 paediatric patients aged less than 14 years, who were admitted to the emergency Department with a history of unintentional injury, were included in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured proforma containing details of age, education of the mother and father, type and place of injury, and other socio-demographic parameters. The nature of the injury was considered as the primary outcome variable. Statistical analysis was performed using coGuide. Results: In the present study, 220 children were included with a mean age of 6.12±3.74 years. The majority were male children 130 (59.09). The majority of the children (93.64%) were taken care of by their parents, and falls were the most commonly reported injury (55.00%), followed by falls of objects, poisoning, and Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). There was a statistically significant difference in mean age across the groups classified by the nature of their injury (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of falls was 55%. Other common unintentional injuries among children under 14 years of age included falls of objects, poisoning, RTAs, bites/stings, foreign bodies, burns, and drowning or near drowning. These injuries can be prevented by adult supervision and providing a safe, child-friendly environment for play