Pattern of injuries among children and adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a household survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and pattern of injuries among children and adolescents <18 years old in Riyadh city and to identify associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional household survey included children and adolescents <18 years. A two-stage cluster sample was used to recruit the participants from thirty clusters each consisted OF 23 households. A questionnaire was used for data collection by interview. RESULTS: The study included 1650 children and adolescents. Of them, 22.2% reported having had injuries in the previous 12 months. The most common injuries were falls (40.4%), Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) (15%), food intoxication (8.8%). Males were more affected by injuries than females (26% vs. 18%). Males living near playgrounds or public gardens, playing in the street are independent risk factors for occurrence of both falls and RTA injuries. RECOMMENDATIONS: school safety education and environmental modification should be applied in Riyadh.