Epidemiology of Pediatric Trauma and Its Patterns in Western Iran: A Hospital Based Experience

Background and Objective: Trauma is a major cause of mortality in children aged 1 to 14 years old and its patterns differs from country to country. In this study we investigated the epidemiology and distribution of non-intentional trauma in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: The archives of 304 children below 10 years old who presented to Taleghani trauma care center in Kermanshah, Iran from March to September 2008, were reviewed. Patients ’ demographic and injury related information were registered. The participants were categorized into three age groups of 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10 years old and the data was compared among age groups and between both sexes. Findings: The most common cause for trauma was falling from heights (65.5%) and road traffic accidents (16.4%). The most common anatomical sites of injury were the upper limbs followed by the head and neck (36.8 % and 31.2%, respectively). Injuries mostly occurred in homes (67.4%). The injuries were mostly related to the orthopedics and the neurosurgery division (84.1 % and 13.1%, respectively). Accident rates peaked during the hours of 18-24 (41.3%). Male and female patients did display any difference regarding the variables