Journal of health research in community

Introduction and Purpose Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional mortality in children. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiologic and clinical features of children with drowning hospitalized at a teaching hospital in Urmia, Iran, over ten years.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from 89 children under 18 years admitted to Shahid Motahari Hospital in Urmia city from 2013 to 2023 were examined. Demographic characteristics, accident-related information, clinical indicators (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score, cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], intubation, inotrope use, PICU admission, body temperature), and laboratory findings (blood pH, blood glucose) were analyzed.
Results Of 89 patients, 61 (68.5%) were boys and 28 (31.5%) were girls. Mortality was 54.1% in boys and 71.4% in girls. Most deaths occurred in natural water sites (83.6%). Among 30 CPR cases, 24 (80%) died. All intubated (22.5%) and inotrope-receiving patients (22.5%) died. Hypothermia was present in 56 (62.9%), of whom 52 (92.9%) died. Non-survivors had lower GCS, blood pH, and blood glucose compared to survivors.
Conclusion Mortality is high among pediatric drowning cases in Urmia, northwest of Iran. The identified epidemiologic and clinical parameters can play a key role in prognostics, highlighting the importance of preventive strategies and early management.