The epidemiology of childhood injury in Maputo, Mozambique

BACKGROUND: Injury remains a major cause of death and disability worldwide. AIMS: This study describes the characteristics of childhood injury at three hospitals in Maputo, Mozambique. METHODS: An observational, prospective convenience study was conducted in June and July 2007. We prospectively collected data on 335 children (0-14 years) who presented to three hospitals in Maputo during the study period. RESULTS: The prevalence of trauma-related complaints on presentation to the hospital in this study was 12%, with higher rates in boys (59%) and in those between the ages of 5-9 years (34.9%). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (40.6%), followed by burns (19.1%) and road traffic injuries (RTI) (14.3%). The majority of falls occurred in the home (61.8%) and were unintentional. (94.1%) Burns were predominantly due to hot liquids (82.8%) and less frequently due to fire (17.2%). The majority of burns involved the patient alone (62.5%). The majority of RTIs were pedestrians struck by vehicles (81.2%). A substantial number of patients presented more than 24 h after injury (23.3%). Children from households living with a lower family income in general suffered trauma more often regardless of the mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood injury accounts for a substantial burden of disease in Maputo, Mozambique. This study highlights the fact that many of these injuries are consistent with the injury patterns seen in children in other low and middle income countries, and are amenable to prevention, access, and emergency care programs targeted at children and their families, schools, and the local and national community.