Pattern of childhood falls in a low-income setting: a cross-sectional study in Dar es Salaam

Abstract

The objective was to determine patterns and circumstances of childhood falls in a low-income setting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This cross sectional study is based on a household survey conducted in July 2009.

A total of 3927 children up to age 18 from 1928 households in 15 sampled wards were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. The current study includes information regarding fall occurrence, socio-demographic and economic factors. Data were analysed using chi-square, t-test and logistic regression. Male children had 42% higher odds of falls compared to females, and rural residents had more than two times higher odds compared to urban residents. Falls occurred three times more among age group 1–4 and two times more among age group 5–9 compared to those between 15 and 18 years. Most falls occurred outdoors (62%) while playing (51%) with boys being over-represented. Females and children aged 1–4 years fell more from stairs whereas most infants fell from furniture. Male gender, younger age groups and rural residence were significant factors for fall injuries. The circumstances in which these falls occur also differ significantly. Intervention efforts should emphasise these patterns.

Keywords:

• child injury
• falls
• injury circumstances
• household survey
• sub-Saharan Africa
• low-income country

Acknowledgements

Funding for this study was provided by the John H. Lowery Foundation (Peercorps Network). The authors would like to acknowledge the PEERCORPS summer 2009 research team for their efforts in data collection. The authors thank Drs. Hesham El Sayed and Stephen Lawoko for their helpful comments before and during the survey implementation.