Childhood and adolescent injuries in elementary schools in north-western Uganda: extent, risk and associated factors
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Date
2012
Authors
Lawokob, Stephen Emilio Ovugac and Leif Svanstromb
Mutto, Milton
Lawoko, Stephen
Ovuga, Emilio
Svanstrom, Leif
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International journal of injury control and safety promotion
Abstract
Childhood injuries remain understudied in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the extent, nature
and determinants of school-related childhood injury risk in north-western Uganda. A cohort of 1000 grade fives
from 13 elementary schools was followed-up for one term. Survival and multi-level modelling techniques compared
the risk rates across gender, schools and locations. Childhood injuries are common in north-western Uganda. Most
of them occur during travel, breaks, practical classes and gardening, while walking, playing, learning and digging.
Most injuries result from collisions with objects, sports and falls. Two-thirds of children receive first aid and hospital
care. Times to injury were 72.1 and 192.9 person days (p¼0.0000). Gender differences in time to event were
significant (p¼0.0091). Girls had better survival rates: cumulative prevalence of childhood injury was 36.1%; with
significant gender differences (p¼0.007). Injury rate was 12.3/1000 person days, with a hazard ratio of 1.4.
Compared to girls, boys had a 37% higher injury rate (p¼0.004). Rates varied among schools. Associated factors
include sex and school. Rural–urban location and school differences do influence childhood injury risk. Childhood
injuries are common: the risk is high, gender- and school-specific. Determinants include gender and school. Location
and school contexts influence injury risk.
Description
Keywords
School children, Injury risk, Injury rates, Multi-level survival analysis
Citation
Mutto, M., Lawoko, S., Ovuga, E., & Svanstrom, L. (2012). Childhood and adolescent injuries in elementary schools in north-western Uganda: extent, risk and associated factors. International journal of injury control and safety promotion, 19(4), 357-367.