dc.description.abstract |
Injury and violence is a major killer of children throughout the world, responsible for
about 950 000 deaths annually, in children and young people under the age of 18
years. The World Health Organization identifies burns, falls, road traffic injuries
(RTIs), poisoning and drowning as the major causes of injuries in children. In Kenya,
injuries are the 5th leading cause of morbidity among patients attending health
facilities while in Nyeri County; they are the 3rd leading cause of mortality among
those attending health facilities. The objective of this study was to determine the
prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with injuries among children aged
12 years and below admitted in hospitals in Nyeri County. A cross-sectional study
was conducted from June 2013 to August 2013.Systematic random sampling was
used to enrol patients based on hospital monthly inpatient workload. Information on
socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, length of hospital stay,
and outcome was collected from parents/guardians using interviewer administered
questionnaires. For the patients presenting with injuries, further information on
cause and circumstances surrounding the injury was collected. Medical records of all
the patients were reviewed to verify clinical and socio-demographic data. Univariate,
bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Of the 415 patients enrolled into
the study, 108 (26%) presented with injuries, with a median age of 39 months (range:
7-144), males being the majority at 67(62%). The leading causes of injuries were
burns 41(38%), falls 38(35%), cuts 13(12%) and poisoning 9(8%). Eighty-six (80%)
of the injuries occurred at home, 70(65%) during play and 67(62%) in the absence of
an adult/care taker. Independent risk factors associated with injuries were; parents
spending < 6 hours with the child in a day [AOR=2.6; 95% CI (1.5-4.3)]; age
>5years [AOR=2.6; 95% CI (1.4-4.9)]; low SES [AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.3-4.7)] and
previous history of injury [AOR=4.0; 95% CI (1.6-10.1)]. Prevalence of injuries is
high among males and patients above 5 years of age. Burns, falls, cuts and poisoning
were the leading causes of injuries. By knowing the leading causes of childhood
injuries and associated factors, we conclude that majority of paediatric injuries are
preventable. Targeted interventions such as adequate supervision from
parents/guardians and public health education on injury prevention are vital. |
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