Epidemiology of injuries in northern areas

Traumatic injuries are among the leading causes of death in Alaska and the arctic. Intentional injuries (homicide and suicide) and unintentional injuries (motor vehicle crashes, drowning, aviation crashes, alcohol and other drugs) cause 29% of all deaths and 53% of all years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Alaskans. Mortality and morbidity rates due to injuries remain higher among Alaska Natives than other racial groups. The occupational fatality rate in Alaska (33 deaths per 100,000 workers) is the highest in the United States and is largely due to the large number of deaths among commercial fishermen, airplane pilots, sailors, truck drivers, and loggers. Effective injury control and prevention efforts are hampered by lack of adequate surveillance systems. Injury research and public health control measures are unfocused, lack continuity, and are undersupported.