Youth injuries in British Columbia : Type, settings, treatment and costs, 2003 – 2007

Data were collected in 2003, 2005 and 2007, in which a total of 273 (41%), 228 (39%), and 176 (33%) youth respectively, reported having at least one serious injury. Those reporting more than one injury declined from 19% in 2003 and 2005 to 12% in 2007. The leading types of injury were sprains/strains, broken bones and bruises. Most injuries occurred while playing sport, falling/tripping, biking or rollerblading. The location where injuries occurred included recreation centers (↑ 12-15%), schools (↓ 24%-9%), and workplaces (↑ 2% -14.5%). Most injuries were treated at emergency departments; walk-in clinics or health professional’s office (↑ 71% -83.5%). Prevention included: doing nothing; being more careful; giving up the activity; and rehabilitation or physiotherapy. The total direct cost of treatment was $471,498, at a mean direct cost of $775 per injury. Strategies targeted at subgroups of adolescents are needed to reduce the human and economic burden of injury.Medicine, Faculty ofPediatrics, Department ofNon UBCUnreviewedFacult