Analysis of injury epidemiological characteristics in children aged 0-14 years in Suzhou / 中华疾病控制杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the epidemiologic features of injuries in children aged 0-14 years in Suzhou, so as to provide targeted education and prevention guidance for parents and schools. Methods Complex sampling was used to choose 4 989 children aged 0-14 years in Gusu and Wujiang districts in Suzhou. The primary caregivers filled out an injury occurrence questionnaire to analyze the distributions of injury numbers, occurrence time and locations. Results In the past 12 months, the overall incidence of children injuries was 7.7%, with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 6.9%-8.4%. The incidence tended to decrease with age ( 2=5.06, P=0.025), however, increase with monthly increase ( 2=28.51, P<0.001).Of all types of children injuries, the incidence of fall was highest (65.5%). Head and face injuries were the most common (45.3%). Most of injuries occurred at home (59.5%) and during leisure play (32.2%). 81.3% of the injuries were slight, and 45.4% of the injuries were dealt with infirmaries. 9.7% of the injured children recovered with aesthetics impact. Young children were more likely to experience head fall or burn injuries during leisure play. Young girls were more likely to experience injuries at home. However, older children were more likely to have lower limb injuries during sports and housework. Older boys were more likely to be harmed at school. Conclusions Different age and gender children had different injury epidemiological characteristics. Specific preventive measures should be taken according to their characteristics.