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. 2020 May 31;35(3):127.
doi: 10.5001/omj.2020.45. eCollection 2020 May.

Incidence of School-related Injuries among Students in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate Schools, Oman

Manar Al Sanaa Al Zeedi  1 , Lamya Hamed Al Waaili  1 , Fatma M Al Hakmani  2 , Ahmed Mohammed Al Busaidi  3
Affiliations

Incidence of School-related Injuries among Students in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate Schools, Oman

Manar Al Sanaa Al Zeedi et al. Oman Med J. .

Abstract

Objectives: Childhood injuries are among the most significant causes of mortality and morbidity as estimated by the World Health Organization. We sought to assess the incidence of school-related injuries in A'Dakhiliyah governorate schools, with the secondary aim of addressing common causes, risk factors, and how the school environment contributes to injuries.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving all students in A'Dakhiliyah governorate schools during the 2015-2016 academic year. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was filled out by the school nurses or social workers at school health units.

Results: The incidence of school-related injuries was 2.3% per year. The majority of injured students were in grades 1-4 (63.7%) and 72.6% were boys. Improper school equipment and furniture accounted as a risk factor for 25.3% of injuries. The three most common mechanisms causing injury were falling (50.4%, n = 584), collision with an object (30.7%, n = 356), and collision with a person (18.8%, n = 218). Asphalt (59.5%, n = 295) and concrete (40.5%, n = 201) were the most common surfaces in the school environment to contribute to injuries.

Conclusions: School-related injuries are not uncommon and can be prevented by improving the infrastructure of school buildings and supplying appropriate school stationary equipment for age. Our results are useful in developing a national injury prevention program aimed at enhancing safety in school environments.

Keywords: Accidental Falls; Child; Incidence; Oman; Risk Factors; Schools; Students.

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