TABLE 5.2Haddon Matrix applied to the risk factors for childhood falls

PhasesFactors
ChildAgentPhysical environmentSocioeconomic environment
Pre-eventAge; gender; level of activity; pre-existing disability.Unsafe product or equipment; unprotected rooftop, balcony or staircase; tree.Lack of access to safe play spaces and opportunities; lack of preventive measures such as stair gates and guard rails.Poverty; single-parent family; family size; maternal education; awareness of fall risks among caregivers, childcare providers and educators.
EventSize and physical development of child.Lack of protective equipment or barriers that reduce the severity of an injury in the event of a fall.Height of fall; type of surface onto which child falls; lack of impact-absorbing surfaces.Lack of awareness of potentially serious injuries associated with falls, e.g. concussion and brain injury.
Post-eventChild’s general health; disability; post-injury complications.Sharp objects and others hazards that increase risk of cuts and infections.Lack of adequate pre-hospital care, acute care or rehabilitation.Lack of first-aid skills; lack of access to health care; lack of resources to manage post-injury outcomes.

From: 5, Falls

Cover of World Report on Child Injury Prevention
World Report on Child Injury Prevention.
Peden M, Oyegbite K, Ozanne-Smith J, et al., editors.
Copyright © World Health Organization 2008.

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