Incidence and impact of childhood and adolescent injuries: a population-based study.

Abstract

The study of disabilities, use of health services, and absenteeism of parents among 0- to 17-year-old residents of Jerusalem (n = 432) hospitalized for unintentional injuries. Telephone interviews with parents, 6 months after hospitalization. Disabilities among 4 to 17 year olds were measured by a 25-item scale derived from the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps and by limitations of activities. Six months after the injury, limitations ranged from 8.3% (daily activities) to 19.4% (sport activities). About one in three presented at least one disability in the 25-item scale. All disabilities were present in higher proportions among adolescents. The more severe injuries whether to the head or other parts of the body presented higher percentages of disabilities. Burns and traffic crashes were associated with higher proportions of disabilities than other causes and with more frequent work absenteeism by their parents. A relatively large proportion of children remain with long-term disabilities irrespective of cause and body part injured. Because the sequelae of injuries is multifaceted, rehabilitation should include coordination between health and other services.