Children’s falls from heights in Ahwaz, Iran

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of children’s falls in Ahwaz, Iran and to suggest its possible causes and preventive measures.

METHODS: A one-year study was carried out in Ahwaz, Iran in 1999. All children aged 0-15 years who were taken to the accident and emergency (A&E) departments of all urban hospitals because of a vertical fall from heights were investigated. All parents of children were interviewed by using a questionnaire that included demographic and fall characteristic information.

RESULTS: During the year of study, 2403 fall injuries were admitted to A&E departments, comprising 10.1% of all children’s injuries. There were 64.5% boys and 35.5% girls. Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 15 years (mean 5.9 years), and were distributed equally between Fars and Arabs. The most frequent falls originated from windows and roofs (32.6%), from stairs (24.6%), and from playground equipment (9.3%). Many fall injuries took place at or near the home (77.5%), and involved the head (71.7%).

CONCLUSION: A combination of targeted information and safety regulations could be an essential effort for reducing the incidence of children’s falls from heights. This requires educating the parents to the hazards of falls and to mandate safer housing.