Frequency and type of domestic injuries among children until 12 years

Abstract

Introduction. Domestic injuries are nowadays a major medical and social problem which is constantly increasing. Globally, domestic accidents are the leading causes of disability and morbidity among children. According to the World Child Injury Prevention Report, worldwide, more than 2,000 children die every day from unintentional injuries, but most of them are preventable. Although injuries at home are a common problem among children in rural areas, their mothers, according to studies, do not have sufficient knowledge regarding the causes, prevention and first aid in dealing with these injuries. Aim of study. The major objective was the analysis and assessment of injury through accidents and domestic trauma among children under 12 years of age in the Republic of Moldova and the development of their preventive measures. Methods and materials. A study was carried out using a questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding domestic accidents. The population included in the study were parents, grandparents and other caregivers that look after children aged between 0 to 12 years. After analyzing the results obtained from the questionnaire, we collected the following information: data on child supervision - aspects regarding the degree of supervision of children; storage conditions for household goods, risk factors in the household; and data on knowledge of first aid measures in child injury situations. Results. In total, 481 parents participated, their children are up to 12 years of age, the majority aged between 26-35 (62.7%), with higher education (78.3%), of which 94.8% were women, most from the urban environment (80%). Almost 68.3% respondents believe that their child could injure themselves at home, namely by accident (86.9%), followed by 37.1% who believe that their child could consume something risky. In 46.3% of cases, it is difficult for children to get sharp objects, drugs, and harmful solutions, in 12.6% - it is simple. Falls accounted for 76% of child injuries in the past year. Parents claim that they can always see and hear their children, according to 48.3% of parents, although there are times when they leave their children alone for a while. However, they occasionally leave them in the care of their grandparents (58.3%) or other people (23.7%). When a child was injured at home, 46.7% of parents treated their child at home, while 36.9% went to the doctor, of which 34.1% were examined and discharged without treatment. After the accident, 74.8% of people rated the child's condition as good, and 27.5% as acceptable. Conclusion. With the help of this study, we identify the risks to which children can be exposed at home, inform and educate the general population about first aid, in various domestic traumas among children.