Etiological Factors of Ocular Trauma in Children and Adolescents Based on 200 Cases at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit of the Bouaké University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Eye trauma is serious and very often has a poor prognosis in our environment. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the prevention of ocular trauma in children and adolescents in central and northern Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim on 200 patient files received at the pediatric ophthalmology unit of the ophthalmology department of the Bouaké University Hospital from January 6, 2021, to July 7, 2023. In these patients, the questioning and clinical examination revealed ocular lesions linked to trauma. The parameters studied were socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, origin, educational status), reason for consultation, ophthalmological history and etiological factors (circumstances of occurrence, vulnerating agent and mechanism of occurrence). Data analysis was carried out using epi-info 7.0 software. Findings: The average age of the patients was 8.45 ± 4.62 years with a range of 1 to 19 years. Boys were the most affected (71%) and this male predominance was found in all age groups. The 5-9-year-old age group was the most represented (31%). Children in primary school were the most numerous (40%), followed by those in secondary school (26%) and those not in school (25%). Almost all the children came from urban areas (75%). Ocular trauma was the main reason for consultation (75%) and the most common ophthalmological history (80%). The circumstances of occurrence were dominated by gaming accidents (48.50%), domestic accidents (19.50%) and brawls (15.50%). The most common damaging agent found was metallic (25%) followed by the stone used as a projectile (18.50%) and the punch (17%). The mechanism of trauma was dominated by the reception of a moving object or liquid on the eye (96%). Conclusion: Given the high proportion of school boys who are victims of eye trauma, school programs should include raising awareness among children at school about the risks of accidents and in particular eye trauma and the means of preventing them. Action should also be taken in rural areas and through the Chamber of Trades of Côte d’Ivoire with a view to preventing eye trauma in children and adolescents in farming activities and in craft workshops where those are often in apprenticeship.