The Implementation of COVID-19 Social Distancing Measures Changed the Frequency and the Characteristics of Facial Injury: The Newcastle (Australia) Experience

Abstract

Study Design:

A retrospective study was undertaken of a cohort of facially injured patients using matched 8-week periods: non-COVID (2019) and COVID (2020).

Objective:

To determine whether there were any changes to the frequency and characteristics of facial injury due to the imposition of COVID-19 social distancing measures.

Methods:

The primary predictor variable was an 8-week period of COVID-19 social distancing. The primary outcome variable was the sustaining of a facial injury. Demographic (age/gender) and injury characteristics (mechanism, site, and treatment) were also studied. Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken and comparison made using Pearson χ² and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results:

The number of facial injuries decreased from 103 (2019) to 73 (2020). There were statistically significant differences in changes over time for the 8-week periods. There were some clinically apparent differences seen in the characteristics of facial injuries.

Conclusions:

The imposition of COVID-19 social distancing changed the frequency and characteristics of facial injury.

Keywords

COVID-19 social distancing facial injury epidemiology

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