Seasonal variations in injury rates in children: evidence from a 10-year study in the Veneto Region, Italy

Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot. 2013;20(3):254-8. doi: 10.1080/17457300.2012.692691. Epub 2012 May 28.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the long term trend of pediatric injuries in Veneto Region (North-East of Italy) over 10 years, evaluating if seasonality in injury hospitalisations exists. Regional data on hospital admissions during the period 2000-2009 were analysed. Injury was defined as any condition identified by the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 800-999, excluding late effects from injury (ICD-9-CM codes 905-909), and complications of surgical and medical care, not classified elsewhere (ICD-9-CM code 995-999) in the first diagnostic field. Cyclic trends in seasonality of injuries were tested with Nam test. Thirty-five thousand seven hundred and fifty-one hospitalisations due to an injury have been recorded. Significant seasonal variation in hospitalisations for injuries was observed, with a summer to winter ratio ranging from 1.8 for minor injuries to 2.0 for severe injuries (p <0.001). The observed pattern of increased admission in the summer months should guide resource planning and implementation of preventive strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Seasons*
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*