The characteristics of, and risk factors for, child injuries in Andhra Pradesh, India: The Young Lives project

Abstract

Background: Injuries are an emerging public health issue among children worldwide, and one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years lost for children aged 0-14 years. Few studies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, have analysed characteristics and risk factors for these injuries. Methods: This study examined the occurrence and risk factors of serious non-fatal injuries in children aged 7-9 years (n=1820) from Andhra Pradesh, India. Logistic regression models were used to explore potential risk factors for these injuries. Results: Based on a 3-year recall period, 336 (18.5%) children reported serious non-fatal injuries. Incidence was higher amongmales (209/971; 21.5%) compared to females (127/849; 15.0%). Of themost serious non-fatal injuries reported, falls (n=186, 55.4%) were themajor cause of injuries, followed by road traffic injuries (50, 14.9%), and assaults/blows/hits (26, 7.7%). Twenty children (6.0%) did not fully recover from their injuries, and 14 (4.2%) had long-term health problems as a result of their injuries. The logistic regression analyses indicated that being male (AOR 1.59; 95%CI 1.25-2.05), in poor health (AOR 2.50; 95% CI 1.88-3.31), and having a caregiver with low education (AOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.15-2.05) were associated with an increased risk of non-fatal injury. Conclusions: Urgent attention is needed to reduce child injuries and address risk factors according to local context.