Childhood Injuries: Prevention and Statistics in Spain

Injuries in Children in Developed Societies

In developed societies, infectious diseases are no longer the primary cause of high infant mortality. Instead, accidents have become a leading cause of death.

Blooper Children: Definition and Types

An accident is an event independent of human will, caused by an outside force, acting quickly and resulting in physical or mental damage. Accidental injuries in children can be caused by falls, traffic accidents, poisoning, etc. Infants are particularly vulnerable. Accidents are the leading cause of death in children over one year old.

Accidents and Health

Accidents are a major public health problem in developed countries. Childhood accidents are a priority due to their frequency and serious consequences.

2. Incidence of Injuries for Children in Spain

Accidents are 2.5 times higher in boys than in girls. The highest incidence is in the 5-9 age group. For girls, the most affected group is 0-4 years.

• Falls: 52.6%
• Transport: 12.2%
• Poisoning: 10.7%

Home accidents: Girls 45% / Boys 28%

Street accidents: Girls 33.3% / Boys 40.4%

10% of children have suffered an accident at school, 23.31% at home, and 27% on the street. 62% of these accidents required hospital transfer.

Incidence of accidents:

• Injuries: 90% of accidental injuries
• Foreign body injuries: 4-7% of consultations
• Poisonings: 2-4% of consultations
• Burns (non-caustic): less than 2% of consultations
• Bites, scratches, and stings
• Drowning

3. Causes of Infant Mortality

According to the WHO, the main causes of infant mortality (0-4 years) in Spain due to injuries are:

• Traffic accidents: 48%
• Unintentional injuries: 21%
• Suffocation: 13%
• Falls: 6%
• Fire: 3%
• Envenomation or poisoning: 2%
• Suicide: 2%

4. The Role of Various Health Agents

Accidents occur when the relationship between the environment and the individual is inadequate. Pillars of intervention include current legislation, health institutions, early childhood education, and society's responsibility to protect children.

Accident Prevention

In Spain, accidents are the leading cause of death in children over one year old. Prevention involves preparation and anticipation. Educational activities are essential for children to learn self-care.

1. Learning, Education, and Accident Prevention

Providing a safe environment for children is crucial.

The Child and the Protection of Their Health

Humans have basic needs for survival. Newborns are defenseless, and adults must protect them from dangers. Education can change habits and attitudes, leading to greater personal autonomy.

When and Where to Act?

During the first three years, most accidents occur at home. Later, as children's environments expand, this trend reverses. Collaboration with families and schools is essential.

How to Act?

Activities should facilitate the acquisition of behaviors and awareness of limitations in the face of risks. Families must be aware of the importance of accident prevention. Children should learn correct behavior patterns as pedestrians, drivers, or passengers. Adults must act as guides and role models, warning of dangers.

2. Protective Measures and Accident Prevention

To analyze factors favoring accidents, consider:

• Characteristics of the child: age, gender, and personality
• The physical environment: place and weather conditions
• The socioeconomic and cultural environment
• The causative agents