FREQUENCY AND PATTERN OF INJURIES AMONG CHILDREN: A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Childhood injuries remain a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Pakistan, updated hospital-based evidence is scarce, limiting effective injury prevention and trauma service planning. This study aimed to describe patterns of childhood injuries and identify factors associated with hospital disposition.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 533 injured children presenting to the Paediatrics Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan (May 2020–April 2021). Data on demographics, mechanism and place of injury, body site affected, clinical features at presentation, and final disposition were collected using a structured electronic case report form. Descriptive statistics summarized injury patterns, and binary logistic regression identified factors independently associated with admission or referral.

Results: The mean age of participants was 6.3 ± 3.7 years, and 68.7% were male. Nearly half of injuries occurred at home (48.9%). Falls were the most common mechanism (28.4%), followed by road traffic accidents (22.2%). In multivariable analysis, moderate pain (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8) and severe pain (aOR 8.0, 95% CI 4.5–14.0) were strongly associated with admission or referral. Complications (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.4), burn injuries (aOR 6.5, 95% CI 2.1–20.2), and presence of inflammation or swelling (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.1) were also independently associated with admission.

Conclusion: Childhood injuries in this tertiary care setting were common among young boys and frequently occurred at home, with falls being the leading mechanism. However, hospital admission was primarily determined by clinical severity pain intensity, complications, burns, and swelling rather than demographic factors or location of injury. These findings underscore the need for preventive interventions in domestic environments and highlight the importance of early clinical assessment in pediatric emergency care