[01] Altheeb A. A. S., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affars Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [02] Hussein H., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affars Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [03] Al Faisal W., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affars Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [04] Wasfy A., Staff Development, Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [05] AlBehandy N. S., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affars Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [06] Alshareef N., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affars Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.

Background: Unintentional school injuries have gained great importance in the field of Public health worldwide as it affects the student population from many aspects and raises the burden of direct medical costs in health settings. Objectives: To estimating the direct cost of unintentional injuries among students in private schools in Dubai. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted on students of grade 7 – 12 both males and females in Dubai’s private schools. Sample size was calculated using computer program EPI-Info version 6.04. The minimal sample size would be 1000 student. Multistage stratified random sample with proportional allocation was carried out. The stratification was based upon regions (Deira and Bur Dubai), and gender (male and female). Cost has been estimated through multiplying the incidence rate / number of injuries by cost of visit and oriented to male, female, mild, moderate, first and second visit. The cost has been estimated from the direct cost of service point of view only. Results: It demonstrated that the total cost reached about 905,240 AED. It revealed that injuries in boys were far more expensive, about 9,250 AED, compared to those in females which were only about 2,720 AED both making about 11,970 AED. Total direct costs of both mild and moderate injuries among the study population according to sex were around 15,670 AED. Conclusions: Estimated costs of unintentional injuries at schools are high and proper management of the leading causes is absent. The burden of unintentional injuries is not low, and may cause long term financial exhaustion beside its health related consequences. Recommendations: Enforcement of laws (legislations) related to safety and injuries prevention. Empowerment of the population by training, mass media exposure regarding prevention and control of injuries.

Direct Cost, Unintentional Injuries, Students, Dubai

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