Incidence of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the working hours of parents and caregivers in Saudi Arabia: A survey study.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common result of external physical forces that damage the brain, affecting over 50 million people annually, with a higher prevalence in males. Children aged 0-4 years are the most susceptible, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, where 90% of TBI-related deaths occur. TBI significantly affects children's quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of pediatric TBI during working hours among parents and caregivers in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted over 2 months, from July to August 2023. The survey data were electronically gathered using a questionnaire sent over social media channels. It includes working as a caregiver for children in Saudi Arabia.

Results: Involving 395 respondents, the primary focus was on child head injuries occurring during the working hours of parents and caregivers. Most respondents were in the 36-45 age bracket, predominantly female (66.1%) and married (81.8%). The age of the child at the time of injury was significantly associated with head injuries during parents' and caregivers' working hours, with the highest incidence among children aged 7-14 years (83.1%). The severity of the injury, hospital admission, need for intensive care, and surgical intervention were significantly associated with child injuries during these hours.

Conclusion: In this study, we found a significantly higher incidence of head injuries in children during the working hours of both parents and caregivers. Factors such as longer work hours, the presence of a nanny, more children, male gender, and older child age were associated with this risk.