ABSTRACT
Objective: to investigate epidemiological aspects of injuries among Iranian children under 7 years of age using obtained data from a national registry
Methods: injury data were derived from a national-based injury supervision system during 2000-2002. This registry involved all of home-related injuries for children less than 7 years of age that treated in health or emergency centers. The study population included 25% of Iranian people. The descriptive statistical methods were used for representing the distribution of the variables like age, sex, injury mechanisms, types of injuries, etc. Data were presented as mean +/- SD and proportions as appropriate
Results: of the total 307,064 domestic injuries registered during 2000-2002, 77,500 cases [25.2%] were children. 70% of these children [54581 cases] were in age group of 1-5 years. The large fraction [58.8%] of injuries among children under 7 years of age went back to burn injuries. Cuts and lacerations were at the second level with 17.4%. 51% of injuries had contact with hot liquids. Of all children under 7 years of age injuries, 282 died, 86 were disabled, while the rest improved or being under treatment when recording data
Conclusion: injuries, particularly burns [especially those who had contact with hot liquids that led into scald], are major public health problem that children under 7 years of age encounter. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide adequate plans to promote children under 7 years of age safety issues