Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2007;7(2):83-90.

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Morbidity and mortality due to road transport accidents among children under 15 years Old at Londrina, Paraná

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200700010

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of transport accidents among children aged less than 15 years who lived in the city of Londrina, Paraná State, in 2001. This is a descriptive study comprising a population of children under the age of 15, resident in Londrina, who suffered road transport accidents in 2001 and either were attended at first aid services, hospitalized within the municipality or died in consequence of the event. Morbidity data were obtained from the hospitals in the city and mortality data came from the Mortality Information Nucleus of the municipality of Londrina. Epi Info version 6.04d software was used for data analysis. During the year in question, 668 minors under the age of 15 suffered road transport accidents. Most of the victims were male (68.7%) and bicyclists (65.9%), followed by pedestrians (19.6%). Major risk incidence was at the age of 12 (coefficient of 7.5 per thousand children). Head-neck was most afflicted body region (38.7%) and superficialtrauma the most frequent (47.3%). Hospitalization stood for 10.6% of total accidents, with a 1.2% death rate. Hospitalization rate was higher for car occupiers (32.4%) and pedestrians (19.1%). Lethality rate was most expressive among pedestrians (3.8%). The outcomes, by providing health indicators, contribute to expand knowledge on the extent and characteristics of this phenomenon and thus improve the planning of preventive actions.