Minor injuries in ninth class school children of Chandigarh and rural Haryana.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of minor injuries and to study the wound care practices of school children.

DESIGN

A fortnightly follow up of urban (n = 112) and rural (n = 110) high school children was done in Chandigarh and rural Haryana between 1990-1992. Initial point prevalence survey was followed by fortnightly follow up survey involving interview for assessing incidence and wound care practices among students.

SETTING

Government high schools of Chandigarh and rural Ambala in between 1990 to 1992.

SUBJECTS

Ninth class school children from urban (n = 112) and rural (n = 110) areas.

RESULTS

Average episodes of minor injuries per year were 2.9 in rural and 2.1 in urban area, point prevalence was higher in urban area. First-aid training of teachers or the students was lacking in both the areas. Many of the injuries (41-46%) occurred during the school time. Fingers/hand or feet were affected most. Main sources of injuries were farm implements, thorn, blade and stick in rural area and finger nails, kitchen appliances and furniture in urban area. Rural students were more tolerant to minor injuries. Lesser number of rural students had taken tetanus toxoid. Wound washing with water as the first action was reported by 20-22% students in both the areas. Application of urine or chewed grass was reported by rural students only, whereas use of ointment, tablet, bandage, injection as the first action was observed in urban students only.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of minor injuries was higher in rural area as compared to urban area. Training of students on elementary hygienic wound care is recommended.