Epidemiology of Injuries in Children Younger Than Five Years Old - Tabriz

Childhood injuries are among the main reasons of children referring to hospital’s emergency department and were introduced as the most common cause of child disability and death. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of injuries in younger than five years old children, admitted to Tabriz Shohada Hospital emergency ward, since year 2015.

In a cross-sectional study, all children under five years old, admitted to Tabriz Shohada Hospital emergency department, due to trauma, since 2015, were selected, as the study population (n = 1376). Required data included gender, age, length of hospital stay, type of accidents, injury type, the injured body part, and type of insurance. Data were gathered using hospital information systems as well as medical records, through a researcher-made goal driven form. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24 software, and Pearson Chi-square test and Phi and Cramer's V.

The highest number of accidents was related to males (59.4%), and child at age four (41.1%). Most common type of insurance was social security insurance (50.3%). Falling, with a frequency of 44.3%, was the most prevalent accident and the most frequent injuries were fractures (66.9%). Forearm was the most injured anatomic part of the body (22.7%). There was a significant relationship between children’s age and season of the accidents, and also between the child’s gender and injury types (P < 0.05).

Mothers should be trained on fall prevention strategies, especially when the child starts to walk and play. Moreover, safety rules must be employed in settings used by children, such as playgrounds and parks