Pediatric trauma during the COVID-19 lockdown: caregiver abuse and self-harm in a vulnerable population
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective study examines how COVID-19 lockdowns altered pediatric trauma patterns in Singapore, revealing a concerning shift from vehicular accidents to increased home-based injuries, caregiver abuse, and deliberate self-harm. The findings highlight the urgent need for protective interventions targeting vulnerable children during pandemic-related social restrictions.
- COVID-19 lockdowns shifted pediatric trauma patterns: home falls increased while vehicular accidents decreased significantly.
- Deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse cases rose substantially during pandemic lockdowns in vulnerable pediatric populations.
- Non-accidental injury incidence increased during COVID-19 despite overall trauma rates remaining stable (254 cases total).
- Pandemic social isolation created heightened physical and psychological stressors requiring proactive screening and intervention.
- Future pandemic preparedness must include safeguards for at-risk children experiencing increased domestic violence and mental health crises.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
This retrospective cohort study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric trauma cases in Singapore’s National University Hospital from January 2015 to July 2021. The pandemic prompted unprecedented measures, altering societal dynamics. The study hypothesizes a reduction in major trauma incidents during the pandemic period.
Methods
This is a single-center retrospective study including all pediatric patients presenting with trauma-related ICD-9 codes, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 8. Patients were stratified into two time periods: pre-pandemic (January 2015 to March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020 to July 2021) periods.
Results
Out of 254 pediatric trauma cases, 201 occurred pre-pandemic, and 53 during the pandemic. While overall trauma incidence remained similar, the pandemic period saw a shift in injury patterns. Home-based falls increased, vehicular accidents decreased, while deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse rose significantly. The incidence of serious trauma attributed to non-accidental injury increased during the pandemic.
Conclusion
The study reveals changing trauma patterns, emphasizing the importance of understanding societal impacts during pandemics. Notably cases of deliberate self-harm and caregiver abuse surged, echoing global concerns highlighted in other studies during the pandemic. The study underscores the need to preempt physical and psychological stressors in vulnerable populations during future pandemics.