Epidemiology of child deaths due to drowning in Matlab, Bangladesh

“…Previous studies have reported that socioeconomic status (e.g., household income) is one of the key indicators strongly associated with children's swimming skill (Irwin et al, 2009;Rahman et al, 2006). While socioeconomic status was related, this study and another from Bangladesh found that guardians' educational levels were not associated with children's reported swimming skill (Ahmed, Rahman, & Ginneken, 1999). This could be explained because there was lack of infrastructure such as swimming pools, swimming instructors, or swim programs in rural areas; therefore, children could not access swimming lessons.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 67%

“…In addition, we identified new factors, such as attending a school with a pool and having a self-reported life-threatening submersion experience. While we found that guardians estimated that boys had higher swimming skill compared with girls, previous studies have indicated that boys also experience higher rates of drowning (Ahmed et al, 1999;Fang et al, 2007;Peden & McGee, 2003;Quan & Cummings, 2003;Rahman et al, 2006;Sitthi-amorn et al, 2006). One explanation for these finding is that males may have a greater exposure to aquatic activities or participate in higher risk aquatic situations (Gilchrist, Sacks, & Branche, 2000;Howland et al, 1996).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 60%

Predictors of Swimming Skill of Primary School Children in Rural Thailand

Laosee¹,

Gilchrist²,

Khiewyoo³

et al. 2011

IJARE

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Drowning is a leading cause of childhood deaths in Asian countries. Children in primary school have a high rate of fatal drowning. These fatal drownings commonly occur in natural water bodies near the child's residence. The 2004 Thai National Injury Survey reported a higher rate of drowning death in rural settings. While swimming skill is recommended to decrease drowning risk, there is a lack of information on factors contributing to a child's swimming skill. This study assesses guardians' perceptions of the swimming skill of rural primary school children and identifies associated risk and protective factors. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted during August-September 2009 in rural communities of Chiang Rai province, Thailand. We analyzed a total of 633 interview surveys completed with guardians of primary school children. Results revealed that less than one-fifth (19%) of the school children (age 6-12 years old) could swim. Multiple logistic regression showed that children who can swim are more likely to have attended swimming lessons (Odds Ratio [OR] = 23.95; 95% CI = 12.21-46.98); be 10-12 years of age (OR = 4.15; 95% CI = 2.35-7.30); be male (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.67-4.77); have had self-reported life-threatening submersion experience (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.10-4.12); or be the child of a guardian who can swim (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.25-3.44). The results highlight the need to provide swimming lessons targeting all children beginning in the younger age groups. Local resources in natural water sites may provide a place for safe swimming lessons in rural areas.

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“…Interestingly, the number, type, and age of family members seem to relate to the incidence of drowning (e.g., Ahmed, Rahman, & van Ginneken, 1999;Byard, de Koning, Blackbourne, Nadeau, & Krous 2001;Kaufman, 2005). Certain occupations might be more prone to risk of drowning due to the nature of the work (e.g., stunt men and seamen; Piët, 1987;Rafnsson, Gunnar, & Dottir, 1993;Bravo 2, 2007).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%