Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Serious Injuries among in-school Adolescents in Samoa: A population based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Injuries form one of the leading causes of death and disability among human populations. Notwithstanding the growing evidence of injuries worldwide, little is known about the case of adolescents in Samoa. The study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with serious injuries among adolescents in Samoa. Methods The 2017 Global School-Based Student Health Survey data from Samoa was analysed using the Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The prevalence of serious injury among in-school adolescents in Samoa is 46.8%. Sex (male) (AOR = 1.60, CI = 1.29–1.98) was a significant predictor of serious injuries among adolescents in Samoa. Other predictors of serious injuries included physical attack (AOR = 2.21, CI = 1.66–2.94), Physical fights (AOR = 2.27, CI = 1.84–2.80) and being bullied (AOR = 1.59, CI = 1.28–1.99). Conclusion Samoa’s serious injury rate among in-school adolescents requires multidisciplinary programmes like anti-bullying campaigns, violence-free relationship education and policies.