Patterns of school injuries among children in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction: The inquisitive nature of children and their interaction with the environment makes them prone to injuries. In the context of school environment this becomes an even more important because children are involved in many activities like play, sports, academics all of which can predispose them to injury if there is lack of supervision and preventive measures are not taken. The objective of this study was to review the types of injuries that occur within school environment of Karachi. Methods: This is an ongoing study since May 2013. The data is being collected from class teachers on injuries that took place in last academic year. Only those injuries are being included that caused loss of at least one-half day of school and/or required medical attention and treatment from a school or other healthcare provider. So far 26 class teachers from 17 schools completed the injury record form. A total of 35 injuries have been reported. Results: Of the 35 injuries reported, more than 70% occurred in boys (n=25) between 10 – 14 years of age (n=15, 42.9%). Mean age was 9.7±4.0 years. About two-third of these occurred inside the school (n=23, 65.7%) during sports activities (n=11, 31.4%). About half of the injuries were cuts (n=17, 48.6%) and a quarter resulted in fractures (n=9, 25.7%). Heads and arms (n=14, 40%) were commonly injuries requiring stiches (n=9, 25.7%). Conclusion: Children are prone to get injuries within school environment, therefore there is need for developing injury prevention and management plans for schools. Keywords: Injury, Prevention, Karachi, Pakista