Corporal punishment-related ocular injuries in Nigerian children

• Main Authors: Oluwakemi Adegbehingbe, Kayode Ajite
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2007-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons
• Subjects: Blindness; corporal punishment; ocular injuries
• Online Access: http://www.jiaps.com/article.asp?issn=0971-9261;year=2007;volume=12;issue=2;spage=76;epage=79;aulast=Oluwakemi

<b>Objective:</b> To determine the contribution of corporal punishment to ocular morbidity and visual impairment in Nigerian children. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> A prospective study was conducted of all patients aged 0-15 years seen with ocular injuries over a four year period. Those who sustained ocular injuries during the administration of corporal punishment were further studied. Relevant information was documented using a semistructured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by simple descriptive statistics using SPSS statistical package version 10. <b> Results:</b> A total of 186 children were seen within the study period. Eighty-nine (47.8&#x0025;) had ocular injuries and 27 (30.3&#x0025;) had ocular injuries resulting from corporal punishment. Of the latter group, eighteen were males and nine were females. Their ages ranged from 3-15 years (mean = 8.5 &#x00B1; 2.4 years). Corporal punishment-associated injuries occurred most commonly as seen in 17 (63&#x0025;) of our study population who were aged 7-12 years. These 27 cases of injuries were sustained in the schools: 13 (48.2&#x0025;), homes: eight (29.6&#x0025;), market place: three (11.1&#x0025;), workshop: two (7.4&#x0025;) and worship houses: one (3.7&#x0025;). A stick was the object mostly implicated in causing ocular injuries in 13 (48.2&#x0025;) followed by a belt in five (18.5&#x0025;) and a whip in four (14.8&#x0025;). Severe visual impairment occurred in two (7.4&#x0025;) patients while blindness occurred in three (11.1&#x0025;) patients. <b> Conclusion:</b> Corporal punishment is a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in Nigerian children.