Injuries experienced by infant children: a population-based epidemiological analysis

Abstract

Objective: Injuries to infant children are an important health concern, yet there are few population-based analyses from which to develop prevention initiatives. This study describes the external causes, natures, and disposition from an emergency department of infants with injuries for a geographically distinct population in Eastern Ontario.

Methods: Epidemiologic analysis of emergency-based surveillance data (1994-2000) for infants (<12 months old) from the Kingston sites of the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program.

Results: A total of 990 cases of injury to infants were identified, of which 217 (21.9%) required significant medical intervention. Leading causes of injury were falls (605/990; 61.1%), ingestion injuries (65/990; 6.6%), and burns (56/990; 5.7%). Common types of falls experienced were: from furniture (229/605; 37.9%), being dropped (92/605; 15.2%), in car seats (73/605; 12.1%), down stairs (63/605; 10.4%), or in a child walker (42/605; 6.9%). The observed patterns of injury changed according to the ages of the children. Vignettes are used to illustrate recurrent injury patterns (falls, physical vulnerability, burns and ingestions, equipment injuries).

Conclusion: The results indicate the relative importance of several external causes of injury and how these vary by age group. This population-based information is also useful in establishing rational priorities for prevention, and the targeting of interventions toward responsible authorities.