Epidemiological Survey of the Prevalence of Non-fatal Injury among Children Aged 5–14 Years in China

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of non-fatal injuries among children aged 5–14 years in China.MethodsData of 21 973 children aged 5–14 years were extracted from the Fourth National Health Service Survey of China carried out between June 15 and July 10, 2008. Injury-related indicators included: history of ever having had an injury, and injury frequency, cause, location and severity.ResultsThe overall prevalence of non-fatal injuries among the children in the previous 12 months was 17.0 per 1000 subjects. The leading causes of non-fatal injuries were falls, animal bites, traffic accidents, falling objects and burns. The majority of children sustained only one injury. The main place of injury was at home in 40% and 54% of urban boys and girls, respectively, at school in 48% of rural boys, and at home and at school each in 33% of rural girls. Medical treatment for one day was the main option for 80% of urban boys and girls, 84% of rural boys, and 72% of rural girls.ConclusionNonfatal injuries among children aged 5–14 years are a serious public health concern in China.