Abstract

MARTINEZ-TRUJILLO, María de Lourdes; ROCHA-CASTILLO, Julio; CLAVEL-ARCAS, Carme  and  MACK, Karin A. Fall-related injuries among youth under 20 years old who were treated in Nicaraguan emergency departments, 2004. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2011, vol.53, n.2, pp.116-124. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the circumstances of fall-related injuries among youth 0-19 years treated in emergency departments in Nicaragua; to estimate the incidence rates (IR) of falls; and, to identify areas for prevention efforts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients <20 years who were residents of Managua, León, Jinotepe, and Ciudad Sandino (6593) were selected for analysis. Data were collected with the 2004 Injury Surveillance System. RESULTS: In 2004, the IR of falls for youth <20 years old was 104.2 incidents per 10000 persons. The IR for male youth was twice that of female youth. Overall, trees (23.3%) and beds (15.2%) were the main objects involved in falls. Fractures were the leading injuries sustained. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies three areas that can be addressed: furniture, recreation, and physical environment. Interventions that may be most useful for caregivers and adolescents include changes in the home environment and recreation play areas, as well as educational programs.

Keywords : accidental falls; youth; adolescents; Nicaragua.

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