Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University Sohag, Egypt.
2
Plastic surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag Governorate, Egypt.
3
Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag Governorate, 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.
Received in original form: 4 October 2022 Accepted in final form: 30 December 2022
Keywords