An analysis of the cases of falls and the causes of falling accidents in children who are in the 0–6 age group and live in Kirikkale: a Turkish example

Accidental injuries have been identified as a major threat to the health and well-being of children. Since they may cause serious physical damage and may even lead to death, especially in the case of accidents in early childhood, the issue of accidents at home is still of great importance around the world, including Turkey. This study was designed and carried out to analyse the falls and the causes of falling accidents in children who are in the 0–6 age group and admitted to the H. Hidayet Dogruer Maternity and Children9s Hospital during 2007. The study was performed on children (n:95) who are in the 0-6 age group and applied to the Accident and Emergency Unit at the H.Hidayet Dogruer Maternity and Children9s Hospital between the dates of 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007. Data of the study was collected via a questionnaire form which was applied to the mother in the family. Of the children, 58.9% were male and 41.1% were female. In the 2–3 age group, most falls (43.1%) took place living room, and accidents that resulted from falling down stairs (23.1%) ranked first. For the prevention and control of falling accidents, protective measures should be taken at home; these would primarily be aimed at protecting the preschool age group which is the highest risk group.