A prevalência de lesões orofaciais pós-traumáticas numa população de crianças de Viseu

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Orofacial trauma is drastically increasing and can affect, isolated or not, several anatomic regions. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence of post-traumatic orofacial injuries. In addition to this, it also aims at classifying them according to their ethology, type of injury, involved tissue and place of origin. The specific objective is to understand how post-traumatic injuries can affect victims throughout their lives, and the possible medico-legal consequences. It is also intended to demonstrate the need for prevention campaigns about how caregivers should manage the post-traumatic situation. METHODOLOGY: Data for this study was collected in two public schools in Viseu during the month of April 2024. The target population included children aged 3 to 13 years old, to whom surveys were delivered in paper format, to be answered at home together with their guardians. After collecting the data, it was coded and inserted into a database using Microsoft Excel software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, with a significance level p set at 0.05. RESULTS: This study included a total population of 392 children. 23.5% (n=92) of the study population suffered some type of orofacial injury. The age range where the prevalence is highest is from 6 to 10 years old. The most frequent injuries were dental (52.2%). 48.9% of injuries occurred at home. Most parents said that there was little information on how to manage of the traumatic situation. CONCLUSION: Orofacial injuries demonstrate a significant prevalence and a considerable impact on the victim’s quality of life. To achieve reduction in the associated biopsychosocial consequences, prevention campaigns should be carried out by competent entities at a national level.

Date of Award	19 Jul 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Cristina Figueiredo (Supervisor), Nélio Jorge Veiga (Co-Supervisor) & Ana Silva (Co-Supervisor)