Domestic injuries in childhood in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

A prospective study was carried out to ascertain the pattern of soft tissue and skeletal injuries sustained by children at home in Lagos, Nigeria.
182 patients who entered the study sustained 185 injuries . Age ranged from 7days to 14years with mean of 5.17years. Male to female ratio was 1.28:1. Fall was the leading cause of injury accounting for 162 cases (89.0%). Fracture was the most common injury sustained (86.8%) with supracondylar fracture of the humerus being the single most common fracture (28.5%).
Injuries sustained by children at home can have far-reaching consequences. Prevention involves active participation of all stakeholders.


Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 33-36