Pattern and risk factors for childhood injuries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Injuries contribute to morbidity and mortality in children. This study was carried out to describe the pattern of childhood injuries and associated risk factors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This case control study was conducted in six selected health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were col- lected using a structured questionnaire. Cases and controls were children below 18 years who had suffered injuries and those without injury associated condition respectively. Results: A total of 492 cases and 492 controls were included in the study, falls (32%), burns (26%), Road Traffic Injuries (14%) and cuts (10%) were the major types of injuries identified. Younger parents/guardians {Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 1.4; 95% CI: 1.4 -3.6}, more than six people in the same house (AOR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.6), more than three children in the house {AOR= 1.4; 95% CI (1.0-2.0)}, absence of parent/guardian at time of injury occurrence (AOR= 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), middle socio-economic (AOR=1.6; 95%CI: 1.1-2.4) and low socio-economic status (AOR= 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.1) were independent risk factors for childhood injury. Conclusion: Falls, burns and road traffic injuries were the main injury types in this study. Inadequate supervision, over- crowding, lower socio-economic status and low maternal age were significant risk factors for childhood injuries. Keywords: Childhood injuries; risk factors; Dar es Salaam; Tanzania.