Psychiatry Research EG

Objective Ocular trauma is a serious problem in children and adolescents that can be troubling for them and their families. Psychosocial risk factors for eye trauma are understudied, especially in Arab and Egyptian populations. The current study aimed to evaluate the probable role of child psychopathology and parenting discipline styles in the predisposition for eye trauma in Egyptian children and adolescents. Methods Forty patients aged 3–18 years with accidental eye trauma and 40 controls of the same age range were recruited. A validated Arabic version of the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) and an Arabic translated and validated version of the conflict tactic scale-parent child version were applied to evaluate the sample. Results After statistical adjustment for differences in socioeconomic status, youth with eye trauma showed higher rates of rule breaking behavior and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as compared with the control group. Families of children with eye trauma reported a tendency to use less nonviolent discipline and more current and lifetime physical punishment as compared with the control group. Conclusions Childhood behavioral disorders, such as ADHD, and parental tendency to use physical punishment as a pattern of discipline might predispose to serious accidental injuries, including eye trauma. Proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for ADHD, together with community program that enhances nonviolent discipline techniques, will help in both primary and secondary prevention of ocular trauma.