Epidemiologic Principles Applicable to the Study and Prevention of Child Accidents

Abstract

Accidental deaths and injuries constitute a serious problem in child population. To better understand causes of child accidents and to develop more effective programs of prevention, application of epidemiological principles is proposed. In this framework causation involves interactions between host, agent, and enviroment. Analysis of causes of accidents involves a consideration of all 3 as they constitute particular accident situations. A consideration of "host" factors in child accidents reveals the importance of level of development, with different types of accidents characteristic at different ages. Temperamental factors and differences in activities of the sexes are also important. At times, prevention may require a consideration of conditions which result in unusual susceptibility to accidents in certain children. Prevention may also be based on knowledge of what "agents" are involved, and in relating their characteristics to those of children. Protection and training are appropriate preventive methods. Eliminating hazards in the equipment children use is an important procedure which can be carried out at the design stage. Application of human engineering data in design of children''s equipment may prevent many accidents. Analysis of environmental factors also may have implications for prevention. These must be understood in terms of relations between capacities and limitations of children and physical and social characteristics of their environment. Physicians are in an advantageous position to indoctrinate parents and children effectively in safety and accident prevention as based on knowledge concerning interactions between host, agent, and environment.