Retrospective analysis of paediatric injuries associated with water in Czech Republic in the context of the European at worldwide situation.
BACKGROUND
Injuries encountered in association with the aquatic environment negatively affect morbidity and mortality rates in children. It is the second (in Bohemia the third) most frequent cause of injuries in children under 19 years of age. The targets of the study are as follows: to analyse the problems of children's injuries associated with water in the Czech Republic by the mechanism of their origination; to compare the analysis of results with the situation abroad; to evaluate risk factors associated with the aquatic environment.


METHODS
The group includes 802 children aged 0-19 years who experienced accidents associated with the aquatic environment between 2002 and 2006; 14% drowned, 48% nearly drowned, 37% suffered injuries. The basic data for the study presented here was accumulated from multiple sources (statistical data, secondary analyses of documents, reports of the integrated emergency service, water rescue service, etc.).


RESULTS
The results were statistically processed by the squared chi method. A statistically significant relationship was established between injuries originating in pools and the preschool age. (35.6%) No statistical significance was demonstrated with other variables.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors discuss the possibilities of providing safety for children at pools and in the vicinity of water reservoirs. They emphasise the necessity of permanent, concentrated surveillance on the part of parents and the building of protective devices restricting free access to the pool.
Drábová
Magdalena
M
University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Department of Clinical Branches, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
Velemínský
Milos
M
Torácová
Lucie
L
Peslová
Eliska
E
Velemínský
Milos
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018153:Czech Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D004332:Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D038622:Internationality; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014867:Water / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D014867:Water