InstantAtlas Durham – Injuries in children and young people (unintentional and deliberate)

JSNA > Starting Well

Giving every child the best start in life is crucial and prevention of accidents and unintentional injuries for children under the age of 5 is a key priority for us as many of these injuries are preventable.

The under 5’s also represent a significant proportion of children injured, with the majority of these occurring in or around the home.
Estimates suggest that one in five children under 5 will attend an accident & emergency department each year due to an injury sustained in or around the home.

Evidence shows that there is a social gradient for unintentional injuries in children in the UK. In its 2017 report, “Health Equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On”, Public Health England highlighted unintentional injuries as one of the key areas where health inequalities persist in the UK. The report notes that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk of unintentional injuries, and that these injuries can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Factors that contribute to this social gradient include environmental hazards, such as poor housing conditions and lack of safe play spaces, as well as behavioural and lifestyle factors.

Injuries are a leading source of hospital admissions, illness, and long-term health issues, including mental health related to experience(s). Unintentional injury can affect a child or young person’s social and emotional wellbeing. For example, those who survive a serious injury can experience severe pain and may need lengthy treatment (including numerous stays in hospital). They could also, be permanently disabled or disfigured. Reducing and preventing injuries has obvious benefits to children and their families and there are also financial costs.

Key messages:

Powerbi report: