Epidemiology of childhood electrocution in Bangladesh: findings of national injury survey

Abstract

To explore the epidemiology of childhood electrocution in Bangladesh, a population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and December 2003. Nationally representative data was collected from 171,366 rural and urban households, comprising of a total population of 819,429. The average incidence rate of non-fatal childhood electrocution was 53.2 per 100,000 population-year. The rate was found to be significantly higher (p=.000) among male children compared to the females which was 66.7 and 39.2 per 100,000 population-year, respectively. A significantly higher rate of electrocution was found in rural areas compared to urban (p=0.000). The average child death rate due to electrocution was 1.42 per 100,000 population-year. More than two-thirds of the total childhood electrocution took place at home and 69% electrocution cases were from a domestic source of electricity. Younger children, specifically males are more vulnerable to electrocution. Rural children are at higher risk compared to urban. Home is the most common place of childhood electrocution. A national strategy and prevention program is necessary to address morbidity and mortality of children due to electrocution.