Pattern of injuries among children and adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A household survey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the incidence and pattern of injuries among children and adolescents <18 years old in Riyadh city and to identify associated factors. Material and methods: A cross sectional household survey included children and adolescents <18 years. A two-stage cluster sample was used to recruit the participants from thirty clusters each consisted OF 23 households. A questionnaire was used for data collection by interview. Results: The study included 1650 children and adolescents. Of them, 22.2% reported having had injuries in the previous 12 months. The most common injuries were falls (40.4%), Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) (15%), food intoxication (8.8%). Males were more affected by injuries than females (26% vs. 18%). Males living near playgrounds or public gardens, playing in the street are independent risk factors for occurrence of both falls and RTA injuries. Recommendations: school safety education and environmental modification should be applied in Riyadh. © The Author [2010]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.