Accidental Death in Minors under the Age of 18 years. Legal Medicine Service. Villa Clara 2002-2006

Abstract

A descriptive, transversal study which consisted of deaths by accidents in minors under the age of 18 years was made by the Provincial Service of Legal Medicine of Villa Clara, from 2002 to 2006. Considering the fact that accidents in children and young people are recognized as a public health problem in developed countries, we set out to analyze mortality from this cause. Dependent and independent variables were selected. A statistic characterization was established, and results were shown in tables and graphs. During these 5 years, our service attended a total of 111 accidental violent deaths. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2002. Males between the ages of 15 and 18 were the most affected. Traffic accidents were the most common cause, and the urban road was the most common place. The highest number of deaths occurred during the month of August on weekends. The town of Caibarien and the countryside had the highest numbers. Death occurred more frequently at the site of the accident and lesion to the central nervous system as a direct cause of death.