Patterns, Prevalence, and Outcomes of Pediatric Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study From South India.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet many regions in India still lack comprehensive data.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics, mechanisms, and outcomes of pediatric trauma in Villupuram, South India.

METHODS

We conducted a six-month prospective study at a tertiary center in Villupuram, enrolling trauma patients under 18 years using purposive sampling. Exclusions included poisoning, bites, chronic conditions, psychiatric cases, and patients over 18. Data were collected via a structured proforma, with parental consent obtained. Patients were stratified into four age groups. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with chi-squared tests (p<0.05 significant).

RESULTS

We included 438 pediatric trauma cases. Males accounted for 71% of cases, with a mean age of 11.3 years. Roads represented the most frequent site of injury (63%). Two-wheeler accidents (29.5%), burns (27.4%), and falls from height (20.1%) were the leading mechanisms of trauma. Abrasions (41.6%) and lacerations (30.1%) were the most common injuries, and the upper limb, head, and lower limb were the most frequently affected anatomical sites.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric trauma in South India is dominated by road traffic accidents, burns, and falls, with adolescent males disproportionately affected. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention, including road safety enforcement, burn prevention strategies, safer housing design, and strengthened trauma systems with long-term rehabilitation.