Accident injuries of children and adolescents in Germany. Results of the cross-sectional KiGGS Wave 2 study and trends

Abstract

For children and adolescents, accidents represent an important health risk. Despite decreasing mortality rates, accidental (unintended) injuries remain the most common cause of death for children over the age of one in Germany. Accident injuries can cause considerable and lasting damage on health and development. The possible major implications as well as the potential to prevent accident injuries underline the importance of accident prevention. The German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) collects data on unintentional child injuries at regular intervals. Results of the second follow-up survey (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017) show that during the past twelve months 17.4% of children and adolescents aged between 1 and 17 received medical treatment following an accident. Boys suffer injuries from accidents significantly more often than girls (19.4% vs. 15.2%). While the prevalences for older children and adolescents tend to be higher, age generally has little impact on accident rates. Compared to the two previous waves of KiGGS, the prevalences of accident injuries have remained stable.