THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESTRICTIONS ON PAEDIATRIC INJURY PATTERNS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL

Paediatric injuries are a leading cause of childhood death and disability globally, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, road traffic accidents, falls, and burns drive significant morbidity and healthcare costs. However, local epidemiological data at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) remain scarce, limiting targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to compare the volume and epidemiological profile of paediatric trauma between a pre-pandemic/restriction period and a post-restriction period at a Nigerian tertiary hospital. This retrospective study analysed paediatric trauma patients (0-17 years) at UUTH from 2019 to 2022. Data on age, sex, diagnosis, and injury mechanism were extracted. Patients were divided into Cohort 1 (pre-pandemic/restriction) and Cohort 2 (post-restriction). A total of 113 paediatric patients presented with 116 injuries: 37 in Cohort 1 and 76 in Cohort 2. Males accounted for 55% (62) and females 45% (51), with a mean age of 8.1 years. Injury prevalence peaked in the 6-11-year age group, followed by the 0-5-year and 12-17-year age groups. Post-restriction injuries increased significantly. Road traffic injuries and falls were the leading aetiologies, while traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and limb fractures were the most common injury types across both cohorts. Childhood injuries are a major cause of paediatric death and disability. While road traffic injuries remained the leading cause, the significant rise in falls demands broader prevention strategies. Identifying vulnerable children and injury mechanisms is fundamental to targeted community safety interventions.