The Incidence of Accidents among Preschool Children

Overview

The incidence of accidents among preschool children (1 - 6) was followed up in the course of one calendar year. Only those accidents that needed medical attention were evaluated. The series under study included 25 198 children of preschool age - 12 913 boys and 12 285 girls. In this series 8% of the children suffered an accident treated by a physician. A significantly higher accident rate was observed in boys - 9.1%, as compared with 6.8% in girls. The highest accident incidence was recorded in 4- to 5-year-old children.The most frequent and most serious type of accident was injury of the head and skull (24.8%) in direct relation to age. The second place was held by fractures and distorsions (22.5%), the third place being occupied by body surface injuries (16.4%). The greatest numbers of injuries were recorded in the spring and summer.The most frequent place of accident was the home (55.1%), home accidents decreasing with advancing age. A reverse trend was registered in the case of traffic accidents which were second most frequent (14.5%). An age-related trend also applies to accidents on playgrounds, in nurseries and kindergartens, ending up in third place (13.0%).The greatest number on injuries in young children occurred during falls (27.9%). With advancing age there rose the number of injuries sustained on a tricycle, scooter or bike, ending up in second place of frequency (14.0%), the third place being occupied by accidents during games without supervision (12.9%) and at playing with another child (12%). Long-lasting or permanent consequences affected 7.8% of the children.

Key words:
children, preschool age, accidents, injuries