Determinant Factors and Characteristics of Injuries Among Preschool Children in Public Daycare Centers

TL;DR

This study examines the causes and characteristics of injuries among preschool children in Greek daycare centers to inform prevention strategies.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into injury patterns and risk factors specific to preschoolers in Greek public daycare centers.

Findings

Children aged 3.5 to 4 years and boys were most frequently injured.

Falls and acute overload were the leading causes of injuries, with cuts and head injuries being most common.

Most injuries occurred in classrooms during free play.

Abstract

Background/Objective: Evidence suggests that preschool children experience significantly higher rates of injury-related mortality and disability compared to older age groups of children. However, there seems to be a lack of recorded data on unintentional injuries among preschoolers in public daycare centers in Greece. Therefore, the present study aims to identify determinant factors and characteristics of unintentional injuries among preschool children in public daycare centers. Methods: The sample consisted of 6 daycare centers in the Municipality of Xanthi in Greece, with 444 preschool children (M = 3.73 ± 0.47 years of age). Educators completed reports detailing the number and characteristics of unintentional injuries sustained and provided specific information about each. During the study (10 months), 351 injury reports were completed. Results: Frequency analyses showed that children who were most frequently injured were between 3.5 and 4 years old, while boys were more susceptible. The leading causes of injuries were falls and acute overload. Cuts and wounds were the most common type of injury, and the body part that was more frequently injured was the head. The majority of injuries occurred in classrooms during free play. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for injury prevention strategies in daycare centers, including modifications to play areas, increased supervision during free play, and educator training on risk reduction.

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