Pattern of Intentional and Non-Intentional Non-Fatal Children Injuries in Sohag City, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Intended and unintended injuries are considered the main causes of disability and death in children worldwide. Recognition of the patterns of children's injuries is critical for improving efficient protection schemes. Aim of the study: This study aims to outline the childhood injury pattern, mode, characteristics, causes, and consequences in patients aged less than 18 years. Method: A prospective study was carried out on patients aged 18 years and below admitted to the emergency department of Sohag University Hospital, in the period between January to June 2021. Data including age, sex, type of injury, mode of injury, and the effects of the injury on the body were collected. Results: 149 cases; 49 females (32.9%) and 100 males (67.1%) were identified. The most commonly affected age group (6-10) years. Intentional injuries were found in 36 cases (24.2%, with male to female ratio of 3:1), compared to nonintentional injuries appreciated in 113 cases (78.2%, with male to female ratio of 1.8:1). The most common etiology was violence applied by a person other than father and mother, either non-intentional or intentional, (45 cases), while the least etiology was animal bite (2 cases). The most common type of injury is contused wound (54 cases) while the least common is a firearm wound (5 cases). Conclusion: Most of the cases of our study were mild or moderate injury and mainly resulted from injury by a person other than father and mother (either non-intentional or intentional) followed by a motor car accident, while the least etiology was an animal bite.