AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILD INJURIES IN ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS; PATTERNS AND MANAGEMENT MODALITIES

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in childhood. Among children aged from 1 to 14 years, approximately 50% of mortality is related to trauma. Aim: to evaluate child injury in Zagazig University Hospitals in the light of agent-host-environment triangle. Objectives: To study the types and pattern of child injury received in the hospital, to study the outcome of child injury (death, temporary disability or permanent disability) and to formulate suggested preventive measures according to Haddon?s matrix. Patient and methods: This observational cross sectional study was conducted in Zagazig University Hospitals and included children who suffered injuries during the period from April 2013 to April 2015. A pre-designed format was used to collect data in the light of Haddon matrix. Results: School age children were the most commonly injured with the mean age of presentation 6.5 years. Boys to girls? ratio were 2.1: 1and abdominal injuries were the commonest. Mortality rate was (4.47%). Mechanical energy was the most common energy. Road traffic accident was the commonest vector. Roads were the most common site for child injury and more common among children living in low socioeconomic states. Conclusion: we conclude that majority of pediatric injuries are preventable and pediatric epidemiological trends differ from those in adults. Therefore, preventive strategies should be made in pediatric patients on the basis of these epidemiological trends.