Epidemiological characteristics of traffic injuries in children hospitalized in Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics, 2002-2005

ABSTRACT

Background: In Vietnam,every day on average at least 16 children died and more than 82 children were seriously injured by traffic accidents. Objectives: The study on epidemiological characteristics of traffic injuries in children.Subjects and method:A retrospective study of 539 children hospitalizedas a results of traffic injuries in National Hospital of Pediatrics, from january 2002 to december 2005. Results: Traffic injury hospitalization incidence rate is 0,42% (539/ 127706). Male/female was 1,46/1. Peak incidence occurs at ages 5 to 9 years. Rural children/ city children was 2,06/1. Crashes happened in october with highest frequency 12,8%, and weekend (34,8%). Motor vehicle crashes was 426 (79%). Motorcycle caused 70,4% crashes, and automobile 9,2%. 59% victims are child pedestrians.Conclusion: The traffic injury occurs commonly in children, especially in group 5-9 age. Motorcycle was the most principal vehicles occupant injuries.