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Citation |
Siddiqui EU, Ejaz K, Siddiqui U. J. Pak. Med. Assoc. 2012; 62(7): 638-643. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. emaduddin.siddiqui@aku.edu |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2012, Pakistan Medical Association) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
23866505 |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of unintentional domestic injury in children living in a semi-rural area of Karachi. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was carried out at a private hospital located at the northern outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2005 to January 2007. We enrolled 271 out-patient children of either gender with a positive injury history. A questionnaire inquiring socio-demographic characteristics, timing of injury, monthly variation, injury pattern and factors was filled out. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were applied to find out the statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Among the 271 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. Fall from height 145 (54%) or at the same level 52 (19%) was the commonest form of domestic unintentional injury across all ages. Children younger than 2 years of age, 140 (52%), were more prone to injuries, with 49 (51%) having fallen from the lap. Cuts with sharp domestic utensils were noted in 19 (6%), while 15 (6%) had burns. Submersion in underwater tank was noted in 20 (7%) cases and poisoning in 7 (3%). Majority of the injured children were from the low socio-economic stratum and more injuries, 194 (72%), were reported during the summer months. CONCLUSION: Male children are more prone to suffer unintentional domestic injuries especially during summer vacations. Fall was the commonest pattern noted. Language: en |