Findings indicate priority areas for TBI prevention and intervention, including floors and beds
MONDAY, July 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nearly three-quarters of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children and teens are attributable to consumer products that are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, according to a study published online July 29 in the journal Brain Injury.
Bina Ali, Ph.D., from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Calverton, Maryland, and colleagues evaluated data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program, augmented with product information from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (2010 through 2013). The authors sought to examine products and activities associated with emergency department visits for TBIs in children and adolescents.
The researchers found that during the study period, children and adolescents (aged <1 to 19 years) accounted for 4.1 million nonfatal TBI-related emergency department visits. Among infants aged <1 year and children aged 1 to 4 years, the highest number of TBIs were attributable to home furnishings and fixtures, primarily beds. Among those aged 5 to 9 years, 10 to 14 years, and 15 to 19 years, the highest number of TBIs were attributable to sports/recreation, especially bicycles and football.
“Simple measures such as removing trip hazards, using stair gates and guard rails, avoiding hard surface playgrounds, and wearing helmets could help reduce the risk of injury, as well as adult education to ensure proper use of consumer products and adherence to safety guidelines,” Ali said in a statement.
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