Measuring the burden of injuries in Pakistan: Epidemiological and policy analysis.

摘要

Injuries are becoming recognized as one of the most important public health challenges at the dawn of the new century. Globally, about 16,000 people die every day because of injuries. Measured in DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) almost one fifth of the total Global Burden of Disease is due to injuries. Within the category of unintentional injuries, those due to motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of healthy years of life lost. In developing countries the toll of motor vehicle is increasing alarmingly. Despite these facts, injury has been infrequently studied in developing nations.; Pakistan, a developing country, is typical. Injuries are not appreciated as a public health problem by the majority of health professionals and public policy experts because of: (1) their limited knowledge in this field; and (2) no reliable estimates of the current level of injuries.; The classical public health approach for prevention and control of a disease or condition is: (1) assessment of the magnitude, scope and characteristics of the problem, (2) identification of the factors which increase the risk, (3) cataloging measures to prevent the problem, (4) implementation of the most promising interventions. This study was undertaken to look into the first two components of this classical approach: (1) to accurately delineate incidence rates of injuries in the overall population; and (2) to assess the impact of different types of injuries, especially motor vehicle injuries.; A nationally representative, population based household interview survey (National Injury Survey of Pakistan) was conducted in 1997 to identify injuries and injury related deaths. The outcome of an injury was measured in terms of morbidity, mortality and disability. To estimate the burden of road traffic injuries, in addition to survey data, public sector data for 1956–1997 was examined.; We recommended an increasing role regarding injury prevention for the health sector, in data collection and analysis and as a partner in a multi-sectoral effort for safety at national and local levels with more funds for research and intervention trials along with well-directed information, education and communication programs for injury prevention and control, and an effective package of interventions for reduction of motor vehicle injuries. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)