In‐school adolescents' sociodemographic correlates of serious unintentional injuries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: A cross‐sectional study
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health Science Reports
Abstract
Background: As a public health concern, serious adolescent injuries constitute
considerable global morbidity and mortality. Despite the proliferation of literature on
this problem, the evidence on the determinants of injuries among in‐school
adolescents in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is insufficient.
Method: The study analyzed data from the 2018 Global School‐based Student
Health Survey to examine the prevalence and determinants of serious injuries in
a nationwide adolescent sample in SVG. χ2 And binomial logistic regression
analyses were carried out, along with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence
interval.
Results: Serious injuries among this population were estimated at 50.5%. Student
grades, gender, truancy, amphetamine or methamphetamine use, marijuana or
alcohol use, cigarette smoking, physical assault, physical fight, cyberbullying, suicidal
behavior (ideation, plan, and attempt), parental or guardian tobacco use, and multiple
sexual partners were significantly associated with serious injuries. After adjusting for
other variables, being a male, having experienced a physical attack, fighting
physically, attempting suicide, and having multiple sexual partners predicted serious
injuries among in‐school adolescents in SVG.
Conclusion: The use of integrative health promotion and injury prevention
programmes (e.g., antiviolence campaigns) and educational measures could help
minimize or eradicate this menace in SVG.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
adolescents, correlates, prevalence, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, serious injuries