Risk factors for accidents in children that consulted to the emergency unit of San Vicente de Púl Children's Hospital of Medellín, Colombia. December 1, 1998 - March 6, 1999

Abstract

A prospective descriptive study was made to identify the factors of risk for accidents in children smaller than 12 years that consulted for this cause to the Emergency Unit of San Vicente de Paul Children´s Hospital of Medellin, from December 1 of 1998 until March 6 of 1999. These factors were compared during a period of school vacations and one of academic activity of same duration. We included 1.185 patients. The distribution for sex was: 771 children (65%) and 414 girls (35%); 912 patients (76,9%) came from Medellin and their metropolitan area. The place of the accident was like it continues: in the street 582 children (49%); in the home 496 children (41,9%), in the school 32 children (2,7%) and in other places 75 children (6,3%). 199 children (16,8%) were alone in the moment of the accident, 512 (43,2%) were with other children and 474 (40%) were with adults. The main accident type was the mechanic in 1.077 cases (90,9%); 740 children (62,5%) suffered falls. Trauma was light in 1.128 children (95,2%). Lethally was of 0,7% (8 children), especially for craneoencephalic trauma due to traffic accidents and hurt by firearm. The trauma was more serious in those smaller than 2 years. There was difference statistically significant in the frequency of traumas between the period of vacations and the academic, with more accidents during the vacations. It is recommended to begin programs of prevention of accidents especially in the home, directed to the parents and the minor caretakers, with emphasis in the stages of the children’s development and the risks for the different types of accidents.