Prevalence of injuries among high school students in Eastern and Western parts of Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

BackgroundInjury is the leading cause of death and long term disability and a significant contributor to healthcare costs among children worldwide especially those aged 15–19 years. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of injuries among secondary school students in Cairo, Egypt and to explore the associated risk factors for sustaining injury. MethodologyA Cross-sectional study was conducted on secondary school students in eastern and western part of Cairo; self-administered questionnaire was used for assessing injuries sustained in previous 12 months and the associated risk factors for injury. ResultsThe overall prevalence of injuries was 68.5%. Unintentional injuries were the most common injuries falls (50%) and burns (38.6%). Significant factors associated with sustaining injury were truancy, smoking, alcohol use, quarreling behavior, carrying weapon, threatened by weapon and verbal bullying. ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of injuries among high school students in Egypt which necessitates raising public awareness about the magnitude and burden of injuries among adolescents.