Epidemiology of paediatric head and facial injuries in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

IntroductionHead and facial injuries in paediatric patients are a major public health problem in Queensland, Australia, where control, minimisation, or prevention play key roles. Although many studies have been reported, few can be found concerning the epidemiology of paediatric maxillofacial injuries in Queensland, Australia. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess and report the aetiology, patterns, distribution, and associated factors of head and facial injuries in children in Queensland, Australia.Material and methodsData were obtained from Queensland injury Surveillance Unit (QISU). A retrospective study included 10,723 injured children (from less than 1 year old to 12 years old) in the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The analyses involved descriptive statistics and 2 test.ResultsThe number of patients injured varied among age groups. The nature and mechanism of injuries were different among age groups as well. Boys were more prone to maxillofacial injuries compared to females. The highest rate of injuries was in the 1–2-year age group for both genders. Contact with a static object was the main aetiology of maxillofacial injuries during leisure activity (playing). The home was the main site where the injuries occurred.ConclusionsPreventive measures should be strengthened both indoors and outdoors to reduce the incidence and severity of paediatric injuries in Queensland, Australia. In addition, children in the growing phase should be monitored periodically. Furthermore, increasing awareness can be attained by increasing safety education.