A prospective study on the profile of accidental childhood fatalities in Central Karnataka

Children are extremely vulnerable to injuries as a result of traffic accidents, falls, drowning, electrocution, poisoning and burns.

The present study aims to highlight the pattern of fatalities due to accidental injuries in children describing the nature of occurrence, significant autopsy and histopathology findings, identifying the gender and age group at risk and finally recommending preventive measures.

The study was conducted at JJM Medical College, Davangere on 33 cases of accidental deaths in children below the age of eighteen during a five year study period from June 2016 to May 2021.

Of these deaths, 60.6% occurred in males and a majority of cases (84.8%) were from a rural population. The age group commonly affected was 10-18 years followed by 1-5 years and the commonest cause of death observed was road traffic accidents.

Injuries in children are predictable and preventable. A judicious combination of education, enforcement and emergency care, integrated through policies and programs can ensure child injury prevention becomes a reality.