The relationship between family socioeconomic condition and childhood injury frequency in selected locations in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND Childhood injury rates are monitored worldwide because they markedly affect morbidity and mortality of children. There are numerous works that point out the relationship between family socioeconomic status and injuries, where lower socioeconomic levels are linked to higher numbers of injuries. MATERIAL/METHODS The goal of this work was to evaluate the relationship between family socioeconomic status and childhood injuries in the Czech Republic. The research was carried out between 1/7/2009 and 31/12/2010. A 2-part questionnaire was used to gather information. The first part, "Injury/poisoning of children," included information on the injury itself; the second part, "Family functionality," concerned family socioeconomic situations. We collected a total of 874 questionnaires in the South-Bohemian region and 132 questionnaires from a selected county in the North-Bohemian region. A database identical with the questionnaire assignment was established, comprising all the data accumulated. RESULTS The injury rate in families living in poor socioeconomic situations in locality 8 was statistically significantly higher compared to families in good socioeconomic situations. The number of home injuries was 205. Families with incomes that were twice the subsistence level had more child protective measures in their households. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of child protective measures and injury frequency in families. Children in families having higher incomes (twice that of subsistence level) were more likely to suffer injuries related to organized sports as compared to those in families having lower incomes. CONCLUSIONS The literature and research data show that preventive programs have the largest effect on reduction in childhood morbidity and mortality with respect to injuries.