FORENSIC MEDICAL ANALYSIS OF FATAL FALLS FROM HEIGHTS AMONG CHILDREN IN UKRAINE

Abstract. Relevance. Child mortality due to falls from heights is a significant public health issue that requires thorough research to identify risk factors and develop effective preventive measures.The aim of the research was to conduct a forensic medical analysis of the causes of child mortality in Ukraine related to falls from heights, to identify risk factors, and to develop recommendations for improving medical responses, preventing such incidents, and reducing mortality rates.The materials for the study were annual reports from the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of Ukraine for the period from 2019 to 2022. The study focused on cases of violent deaths, specifically those caused by falls from heights. Statistical analysis methods were used, including the calculation of percentage indicators and confidence intervals, utilizing open-source software such as OpenOffice and GNU Octave.Results. The study revealed that the number of fatal falls among children in Ukraine fluctuated between 2019 and 2022, with a noticeable decrease in 2022. However, this reduction may be partially explained by the evacuation of a large number of children due to the war, which provided them with safer environments. The highest mortality rate from falls occurred among adolescents aged 12–18 years, suggesting increased risky behavior, participation in extreme sports, or possibly suicidal tendencies. In 2020, there was an increase in fatalities among children aged 1–7 years, particularly among girls, which may be attributed to inadequate supervision during the lockdown when children spent more time at home but were not always under proper adult control. Compared to previous years, 2021 saw a slight rise in mortality from falls, especially among adolescents, pointing to increased psychological stress, depression, and social problems in this age group. The impact of the war and the pandemic significantly altered the conditions under which children lived, greatly influencing the structure of mortality. In particular, due to changes in social conditions and reduced outdoor activity, mortality from falls decreased, though this change does not necessarily indicate a reduction in the overall risk of falls in society.Conclusions. Forensic medical analysis of child mortality from falls in Ukraine highlighted the importance of thoroughly investigating each case to accurately determine the causes of death. The impact of the pandemic and the war on these trends is significant and requires separate consideration. To reduce mortality, it is essential to improve the medical response system and preventive measures, especially in the context of changing social circumstances. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering psychological, social, and demographic factors related to falls from heights among children.