Unintentional Injuries and Its Characteristics Among Children Aged 0 to 14 Yearsin Field Practice Areas of the Community Medicine Department of a Tertiary CareInstitute in South Gujarat : A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood Unintentional Injuries (UI) are a major yet preventable public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They contribute significantly to morbidity, and identifying associated risk factors is essential for prevention. Objectives: To estimate the proportion of UI in children. To document the characteristic, outcome and first-aid practices of UI in children. To assess the association of various socio-demographic factors and UI. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2023 among 206 children using convenient sampling technique in the urban and rural field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, XYZ. Data were collected through house-to-house surveys using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire administered to caregivers. Descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The proportion of UIs in the preceding six months was 26.7%, higher in rural (30%) than urban (22.1%) areas. Children aged 5–9 years were most affected (47.3%), with mean age 7.27 ± 3.32 years. Significant associations were observed with age (p = 0.04), education (p = 0.0125), and parental marital status (p = 0.025). Falls (41.8%) and burns (21.8%) were leading causes, with 56.4% occurring indoors. Traditional remedies like turmeric and toothpaste were common for first aid, while only 12.7% sought medical care. Conclusion: Childhood UIs are common and strongly influenced by sociodemographic factors. Promoting safer home environments, improving caregiver awareness, and providing first-aid training are essential to reduce this preventable burden.