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The global burden of injuries
E G Krug1, G K Sharma, R Lozano
1World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. kruge@who.int
American Journal of Public Health
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability globally, impacting all populations. Effective prevention and care strategies are crucial for public health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Historically, injuries were viewed as random accidents, leading to public health neglect.
- Current estimates reveal injuries as a major global cause of death and disability.
- Injuries affect diverse populations, irrespective of age, sex, income, or region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant global burden of injuries.
- To emphasize the need for understanding injury characteristics and prevention.
- To advocate for improved prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation care for injured individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global injury statistics and burden of disease data.
- Identification of leading injury types (road traffic, self-inflicted, falls, violence).
- Review of existing injury prevention strategies and care models.
Main Results:
- In 1998, 5.8 million deaths worldwide were attributed to injuries, causing 16% of the global disease burden.
- Road traffic injuries are a primary cause of death and disability, followed by self-inflicted injuries, falls, and violence.
- Injuries disproportionately affect young people, leading to long-term disability.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing the burden of injuries is a critical public health challenge for the 21st century.
- Injuries are preventable, with numerous effective strategies available.
- Enhanced understanding, prevention programs, and improved care are essential for mitigating injury impact.