An epidemiological study of childhood accidents in the Alto Mantovano area of the Lombardy Region

BACKGROUND: As part of the regional programme for accident prevention, as much detailed information as possible was collected on the epidemiology of accidents involving children in our local Public Health area. A prospective survey was started of accidents reported to the Emergency Wards of the two hospitals in our Local Public Health area and the outpatient clinics of the pediatricians collaborating with the study. The survey was performed from 1 March to 31 August 1996. METHODS: A total of 737 reports of accidents involving children aged between 0 and 15 years old (483 males and 254 females) were collected and compared to other series available in the literature. Data were collected using standard forms containing personal details, date, time, place. The form also recorded how the accident occurred, the injuries it caused, the results and the place where First Aid treatment was provided. The causes of accidents were classified using the ICD 9 classification. RESULTS: Males were the most frequently affected (male-female ratio: 1.9:1) and the ages most frequently involved were 1-5 and over 10 years old; moreover, it was observed that accidents occurred during two peak times: 10-12 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. The most frequent accidents were falls, followed by road accidents and wounds. Among both males and females, the most frequent injuries were those to limbs, followed by cranio-facial injuries; wounds were predominantly surface rather than deep. 13.3% of the cases reported were admitted to hospital. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underline the importance of the problem even in a non-metropolitan area and the need to make every effort to ensure a safe and serene future for our children.