COMMON EYE INJURIES AMONGST CHILDREN IN UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL (U.P.T.H), RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract
Ocular injuries among children pose significant public health concerns due to their
potential impact on visual health and overall well-being. This research project aimed
to investigate the prevalence, pattern, and distribution of ocular injuries in a pediatric
population, with a focus on demographic characteristics and injury types. A cross-
sectional study was conducted, enrolling 110 pediatric participants from a single
center in [Region]. The demographic profiles of the participants were assessed,
including gender and age distribution. Prevalence rates of ocular injuries were
analyzed and different types of injuries, such as blunt eye injuries, intraocular
foreign bodies, and lacerations, were identified. Pearson's chi-square test was used
to explore the relationships between demographic factors and the prevalence of
ocular injuries. Among the participants, 71.82% were males and 28.18% were
females. The age group of 10-12 years had the highest representation (28.18%),
followed by 16-18 years (22.73%). The overall prevalence of ocular injuries was
38.18%. Blunt eye injuries were the most common type (52.38%), followed by
intraocular foreign bodies (14.29%) and lacerations (14.29%). Chemical burns were
the least frequent (2.38%). Analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship
between gender and the prevalence of ocular injuries (X2=0.257, P=0.611).
However, a significant relationship was observed between age and the prevalence of
ocular injuries (X2=12.68, P=0.026). Children aged 13-15 years had the highest
prevalence rate (63.64%), while those aged 4-6 years had the lowest prevalence rate
(11.76%). This cross-sectional study provides valuable insights into the prevalence,
pattern, and distribution of ocular injuries among pediatric participants. These
findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive measures, safety
education, and the use of protective eyewear to reduce the incidence and impact of
ocular injuries in children.
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