EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SCHOOL INJURIES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF SWEDEN

The aim of this one-year investigation of school accidents is to obtai n more knowledge for preventive work. In the agegroup 7-19 years, 547 injuries were registered, mainly at three hospitals. The incidence rat e was 25 per 1000 boys and 20 per 1000 girls per year. Most injuries o ccurred in intermediate and upper secondary school among boys and in u pper school among girls. The relative risk of school injury compared w ith spare-time injury was 1.8 for boys and 2.6 for girls of compulsory school age. Most injuries occurred in sports area (boys: 34%, girls: 46%). The incidence of sports injuries showed no gender differences. T he highest incidence rate was found in senior school girls. Twenty-fiv e percent of all injuries were caused by other pupils, intentional vio lence being one important mechanism. Head injuries were more common am ong school injuries compared with spare-time injuries.