Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Addressing Adolescent Injuries: Insights from West African Research

Addressing Adolescent Injuries: Insights from West African Research

Introduction

Adolescent injuries are a pressing public health issue, particularly in developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa. A recent study titled Self-reported injuries and correlates among school-going adolescents in three countries in Western sub-Saharan Africa sheds light on the prevalence and causes of injuries among school-going adolescents in Benin, Ghana, and Liberia. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent injuries and promote adolescent well-being.

Understanding the Research

The study analyzed data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, involving 8,912 adolescents from the three countries. The results revealed a high prevalence of serious injuries, with 40.9% of adolescents reporting injuries in the past year. The most common injuries were broken bones or dislocated joints, cuts or stab wounds, and unspecified injuries. Notably, the prevalence of injuries was higher among males and increased with age.

Key Correlates of Injuries

The study identified several correlates of injuries, including interpersonal aggression, bullying victimization, physical fights, and being physically attacked. These factors significantly increased the odds of serious injuries. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as alcohol use and psychological factors like anxiety were associated with higher injury rates.

Implications for Practitioners

Practitioners working with adolescents can leverage these findings to enhance their strategies for injury prevention. Here are some actionable steps:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the specific environmental and cultural factors contributing to adolescent injuries in different contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research initiatives and collaborate with academic institutions to develop evidence-based interventions tailored to their communities.

Conclusion

Addressing adolescent injuries requires a multifaceted approach that considers individual, relational, and environmental factors. By implementing targeted prevention strategies and fostering a supportive environment, practitioners can significantly reduce the incidence of injuries among adolescents and promote their overall well-being.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Self-reported injuries and correlates among school-going adolescents in three countries in Western sub-Saharan Africa.


Citation: Oppong Asante, K., Onyeaka, H. K., Kugbey, N., & Quarshie, E. N.-B. (2022). Self-reported injuries and correlates among school-going adolescents in three countries in Western sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 22, 899. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13315-5
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP