Risk factors for upper limb fractures due to unintentional injuries among adolescents: a case control study from Sri Lanka

Background: Injuries are the number one cause for morbidity and mortality among adolescents. Adolescent fractures are a hidden public health problem in Sri Lanka. Upper limb fractures are common in adolescents due to various risk factors. Many injuries are predictable and can be prevented by identifying the risk factors. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for upper limb fractures among adolescents in Sri Lanka.MethodsA case control study was undertaken with 450 cases and 450 controls. Cases were recruited consecutively from six major hospitals from the adolescent victims who had admitted with newly diagnosed upper limb fractures and controls were apparently healthy adolescents from the same district and excluded previous upper limb fractures. Risk factors for upper limb fractures were assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and adjusted for possible confounding by performing logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the cases was 13.62 years with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 2.8 and controls was 12.75 years (SD = 2.7) respectively. Having a high standard of living index (OR = 3.52; 95%CI: 2.3–5.2), being in a high social class category (social class I & II) (OR = 2.58, 95%CI: 1.7–3.92), engage in physical or sports activity (OR = 9.36; 95%CI: 3.31–26.47), watching television (OR = 1.95; 95%CI: 1.18–3.22), playing video or computer games (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.7–3.24), and attending extra classes (OR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.2–2.7) were risk factors for having a upper limb fracture.Trial registration: N/A