Background: Paediatric facial injury can lead to significant morbidity. Sociodemographic determinants in Scotland have not previously been reported.

Aim: To analyse the pattern, time trends, and key sociodemographic determinants in children and adolescents who have suffered facial trauma.

Method: Scottish Morbidity records (SMR01) for the period 2001–2009 were retrieved from the Information Services Division in Scotland (ISD): annual incidences were calculated by age, gender, health board, SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) and mechanism of injury. A Poisson regression analysis model was used to incorporate the variables.

Results: 45,388 (0.05%) of 9,568,185 persons aged 0–17 years had suffered injury (4.7 per 1000 population). 60% of injuries were due to accidents, with an additional 15% due to traffic accidents, 9% due to assault. 4.5% were alcohol related. The incidence decreased over time from 5.5/1000 in 2001 to 4.0/1000 in 2009. The relative ratio (RR) for males was 1.98 times greater than females ( p < 0.001). RR varied significantly between Heath Boards (areas) from 0.68 (Dumfries) −1.76 (Grampian) ( p < 0.001). There was a significant association between facial injury and deprivation ( p < 0.001); SIMD 1 (most deprived) has the highest incidence rate of 6.3/1000 population (RR = 1.89), while in SIMD 5 (least deprived) the incidence rate was 3.7/1000 population (RR = 1.08).

Conclusion: Among the Scottish paediatric population the incidence and RR of facial injury is higher in males living in areas of social deprivation. Many injuries are due to accidents and more needs to be done to direct education and resources towards prevention.

Conflict of interest: None.