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Citation
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Shi XQ, Qi YH, Shi D, Yan C, Shi J, Cao BL, Liu D, Luo LR, Wang HY. PLoS One 2014; 9(7): e102099. |
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Affiliation
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Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the patterns and risk factors of nonfatal injuries among rural mountain-area children in southwest China.
METHODS: A stratified sampling method was used to recruit rural children aged 8 to 17 years (mainly 9-14 years) from 7 schools. Self-reported injuries during the past 12 months and relevant concerns were collected from June to December 2012 by using a structured questionnaire in a class interview.
RESULTS: The mean age of the 2,854 children was 12.2±1.5 years. The probability of annual injury was 16.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 15.3-18.1%), with slightly higher injury risk for boys than girls (17.7% vs. 16.0%; P>0.05). The top 3 causes of injuries were falls (37.3%), animal-related incidents (20.6%), and burns (14.9%). The main injury risk factors included being involved in a violent episode (odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.66, P = 0.007), maltreatment by parents or guardians (1.42, 1.17-1.72, P<0.001), and being from a single-child family (1.30, 1.10-1.66, P = 0.039). Older age was a protective factor (0.81, 0.76-0.87, P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of nonfatal injury among rural children was high, and falls were the leading cause. Younger children and boys from poor-care and poor-living environments were at increased risk of injury, which requires urgent attention. Injury prevention programs targeting these issues are needed in this mountain area and similar rural regions of China.
Language: en |