Profile of unintentional injury among under five children in coastal Karnataka, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Childhood injury is a rising public health problem and cause of both financial and psychological strain on the family. Aims & Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence of unintentional injuries among under-five children attending the anganwadis in Udupi Taluk. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November, 2014. Time frame located convenient sampling method was adopted and a total of 95 mothers of children under-five were interviewed by using interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of unintentional injury among under-five children attending the anganwadis was 46.3% and the commonest causes of the injuries were due to falls followed by burns and animal bites. Majority of the injuries were among boys (72.7%) and the most common site of injury was found to be the lower extremity. Nearly half of the respondents (50.5%) were not aware how to provide first aid with respect to unintentional injury among children. Conclusion: The prevalence of unintentional injuries among under-five children was high and majority of the mothers were practicing some form of preventive measures. Intensive health education activities for mothers on the causes and prevention of childhood injuries would be helpful in tackling unintentional injuries. Mass awareness campaigns on first aid using the media can be a good step forward.