Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on domestic accidents in children in France.

BACKGROUND

In March 2020, several countries, including France, implemented a total lockdown policy to combat the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, involving the closure of schools. This measure required children to stay at home for an extended period of time. Several studies have shown an increase in the number or proportion and severity of domestic accidents in children during this period. Santé Publique France and the paediatric emergency department of Toulouse University Hospital conducted a study on the impact of the first lockdown on the use of the emergency department due to domestic accidents in children under 15 years of age in France.

METHODS

The study was conducted using data from nine French emergency departments participating in the Enquête permanente sur les accidents de la vie courante [Permanent Survey on Home and leisure injuries] (EPAC), which involves the exhaustive collection of data on emergency admissions following home and leisure injuries. The frequencies and characteristics of emergency department admissions due to domestic accidents were analysed over the period from 17 March to 11 May 2020, and compared to those over the same period in 2016-2019.

RESULTS

During the lockdown period, an increase in the proportion of emergency department admissions due to domestic accidents is observed in boys and children aged [2-5[years. This study showed an increase in the proportion of hospital admissions during this period. These accidents were mainly falls in outside living spaces (balcony, patio, garden, etc.). The results showed an increase in admissions for fractures and upper limb injuries.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that health policies must take into account the collateral effects of certain measures put in place to manage an epidemic. Prevention messages for parents of young children need to be strengthened and their attention drawn to the risk of certain kinds of accidents, such as falls.