44

A survey was conducted among a representative national sample of fifth-grade schoolchildren between September 2004 and June 2005. 97% of all injuries reported by 6,836 schoolchildren interviewed in Metropolitan France were home and leisure injuries (HLI). Quarterly incidence was established at 9.2 HLIs or traffic accidents per 100 children (confidence interval [8.3; 10.1]).One third of HLIs were found to occur at school, 20% at home, and 54% during a sport or physical activity. HLIs involved treatment in an emergency department in 60% of cases, a limitation of activities in 76% of cases, and exemption from physical education and sports in 57% of cases.The occurrence of severe HLIs was 1.4 times higher in children aged 11 and over ([1.03; 1.8] and in children who take part in sport on a regular basis ([1.1; 1.8]). The risk of a severe HLI was 1.8 times higher in children from families of four children or more ([1.1; 3.0]). No association was found between the occurrence of HLIs and gender, visual acuity and parents’ occupational status.Based on data relating to fifth-grade schoolchildren, the results of this study require further research on specific age groups. Prevention efforts will need to reduce morbidity and mortality as a result of HLIs (over 250 child deaths per year).