Accidental Trauma in Children
Abstract
Summary: Accidents constituted 18% of all child hood emergencies during a 12-month period at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Children in the age range 5-9 years, were at highest risk and more males than females were involved. Minor accidents such as cuts, lacerations, abrasions and bruises were the most common, followed by road traffic accidents (RTA), accidental falls, bites, burns and insertion of foreign bodies in body orifices. Only 8.9% of the patients were admitted. RTA (55.4%) and burns (32.6%) were responsible for most admissions. The overall mortality rate was 0.4%. The study indicates that childhood accidents constitute a considerable health problem in our environment. There is a need for education of drivers and pedestrians on road usagt, protection of children on the road and improvement of the home environment.
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