Epidemiological variables of accidents at pediatric age dealt with in a health district

Abstract

Background: unintentional accidents or injuries are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the child population, becoming a worldwide public health problem.Objective: to characterize epidemiological variables of accidents in pediatric age dealt with at the health district of the "Manuel Fajardo Rivero" University Polyclinic of Las Tunas, from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018.Methods: a descriptive, retrospective study was carried out on the occurrence of accidents at the aforementioned health district and during the period of time herein declared. The sample was made up of the 253 injured patients, under 18 years of age, of both sexes, with a complete record of their data. The frequency of occurrence of accidents was determined according to age, sex, type of accident, place and time.Results: 46,2 % corresponded to children of the 10 to 14 age group, followed by the 15 to 17one (37,5 %). The male sex was the most frequent one (60,9 %). Falls and traumas were the predominant type of accident (78,2 %). 47,8 % occurred at home, followed by 37,1 % in public places, including streets, traffic accidents, among others. By hours, the highest incidence was between noon and 6:59 pm (82,2 %).Conclusions: epidemiological variables of accidents in pediatric age were described.

Keywords

• child
• accidents
• epidemiologic factors
• wounds and injuries