Related Experiment Videos
An Indian community-based epidemiological study of wounds
N Gupta1, S K Gupta, V K Shukla
1Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasl, India.
Journal of Wound Care
|October 8, 2004
Summary
This study found a wound prevalence of 15.03 per 1000 people in India, with chronic lower extremity wounds being common. Untreated acute trauma was the main cause, indicating a need for community wound care.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Wound Care
Background:
- Wound prevalence studies are crucial for understanding community health needs.
- Chronic lower extremity wounds represent a significant health burden globally.
- Limited data exists on wound aetiology in Indian communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of wounds in Indian communities.
- To focus on the prevalence of chronic lower extremity wounds.
- To identify the primary causes of these wounds.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, door-to-door survey was conducted.
- The study screened individuals in two Indian communities (urban and rural).
- Data collection occurred between July 2001 and February 2003.
Main Results:
- Overall wound prevalence was 15.03 per 1000 population.
- Acute wound prevalence was 10.55 per 1000; chronic wound prevalence was 4.48 per 1000.
- The lower extremity was the most common site for both acute and chronic wounds.
Conclusions:
- Untreated acute traumatic wounds were the leading cause of chronic lower extremity wounds in this population.
- This contrasts with findings from Western studies.
- There is a clear need for developing community-based wound care teams in India.