Question

In your opinion, why is unintentional accidents listed in the top five causes of death in some low income countries?

Answer 1

Injuries are most commonly categorized as unintentional or intentional, based on the injured party’s presumed intent Unintentional injuries comprise both transport and nontransport injuries. This chapter examines in detail the leading causes of nontransport unintentional injuries, namely falls, drowning, burns, poisoning and forces of nature.

Individuals in low- and middle-income countries sustain a higher proportion of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from nontransport unintentional injuries compared with those in high-income countries (HICs). The mortality rates for almost all of these injuries are higher in LMICs than in HICs. The best available evidence suggests that the numbers of deaths from most nontransport unintentional injuries are decreasing globally, with the exception of deaths from falls and possibly from burns, which are increasing.

Injury deaths have been steadily increasing in many low- and middle-income countries. Some counteries shows the increase in road traffic deaths . and some counteries over recent years – a pattern that is seen in many countries where motorization has not been accompanied sufficiently by improved road safety strategies.

Tens of millions of people suffer injuries that lead to hospitalization, emergency department or general practitioner treatment, or treatment that does not involve formal medical care. The relative numbers of fatal and non-fatal injuries are often graphically depicted . In addition to the severity of an injury, there are a number of factors that vary by country and that determine the “shape” of the pyramid, such as access to health care services, or the quality of the data available. Many of those who survive acts of violence, road traffic crashes, suicide attempts or other causes of injury are left with temporary or permanent disabilities – injuries are responsible lived with disability. All causes of injury have health consequences beyond the physical injury. The many health consequences of injuries.