Abstract
Road traffic accidents are a significant public health problem and a major cause of economic loss globally. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological profile of child victims of traffic accidents and the prevalence of craniofacial trauma in a municipality in the northeastern region of Brazil. A documentary study was carried out through the analysis of the medical records of the traffic accident victims hospitalized in emergency wards in the municipality of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil, from January to December 2016. A total of 1,884 medical records were evaluated, among which 85 (4.5%) referred to children aged 0-12 years. The information related to the sociodemographic profile of the victims, traffic accidents and clinical variables was collected. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and a 5% level of significance was adopted. The victims were predominantly males (64.7%) and 9-12-year-old children (43.5%). Most accidents were recorded in the evening (48.2%) and on the weekend (32.9%). Among the victims, 37.6% were involved in motorcycle accidents. Craniofacial injuries were found in 44.7% of the children. Most victims were not admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (80.0%). Craniofacial trauma was significantly associated with motorcycle (p = 0.043) and automobile accidents (p = 0.013). Our findings suggest that motorcycles are the vehicles most frequently involved in traffic accidents, which predominantly affect males and children aged 9-12 years, and result in a high prevalence of craniofacial trauma.
Highlights
Throughout the world, many families are devastated by the loss of a child due to an unintentional injury, which makes these deaths a serious public health problem.[1]
37.6% were involved in motorcycle accidents
Craniofacial trauma was significantly associated with motorcycle (p = 0.043) and automobile accidents (p = 0.013)
Summary
Throughout the world, many families are devastated by the loss of a child due to an unintentional injury, which makes these deaths a serious public health problem.[1] Un intentional injuries are those caused by traffic accidents, drowning, falls, burns, and poisoning.[1] According to the Global Burden of Disease Study,[2] the global prevalence of injuries in transport accidents was approx. The consequences of trauma in the craniofacial region can include any combination of bone, soft tissue or dental injury.[5] The location and pattern of the injury depend on the interrelation between the etiology of the injury and the magnitude of the impact as well as on the character istics of the victim’s developmental stage.[6] Bone flexibi lity, the presence of dental germs, the smaller size of the paranasal sinuses, the greater cranium/face ratio, and the thick buccal fat pad make children more likely to endure craniofacial trauma.[7] A mechanism of injury involving greater impact, such as a traffic accident, is required for this trauma to occur.[4]. Road traffic accidents are a significant public health problem and a major cause of economic loss globally
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