Features and Risk Factors of Nonfatal Injury among the Rural Children: A Survey of Seven Schools in a Mountain Area in Southwest China |
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Authors: | Xiu-Quan Shi Yong-Hong Qi Dan Shi Cheng Yan Junxin Shi Bo-Ling Cao Dan Liu Li-Rong Luo Hai-Yan Wang |
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Institution: | 1. Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China.; 2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Zunyi City, Zunyi, China.; 3. Center for Injury Research and Policy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children''s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.; 4. Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China.; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, United Kingdom, |
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Abstract: | Objective We aimed to investigate the patterns and risk factors of nonfatal injuries among rural mountain-area children in southwest China.MethodsA stratified sampling method was used to recruit rural children aged 8 to 17 years (mainly 9–14 years) from 7 schools. Self-reported injuries during the past 12 months and relevant concerns were collected from June to December 2012 by using a structured questionnaire in a class interview.ResultsThe mean age of the 2,854 children was 12.2±1.5 years. The probability of annual injury was 16.7% (95% confidence interval 95% CI] 15.3–18.1%), with slightly higher injury risk for boys than girls (17.7% vs. 16.0%; P>0.05). The top 3 causes of injuries were falls (37.3%), animal-related incidents (20.6%), and burns (14.9%). The main injury risk factors included being involved in a violent episode (odds ratio OR] 1.34, 95% CI 1.08–1.66, P = 0.007), maltreatment by parents or guardians (1.42, 1.17–1.72, P<0.001), and being from a single-child family (1.30, 1.10–1.66, P = 0.039). Older age was a protective factor (0.81, 0.76–0.87, P<0.001).ConclusionsThe incidence of nonfatal injury among rural children was high, and falls were the leading cause. Younger children and boys from poor-care and poor-living environments were at increased risk of injury, which requires urgent attention. Injury prevention programs targeting these issues are needed in this mountain area and similar rural regions of China. |
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