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Published on: January 28, 2020
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Unintentional drowning fatalities in Sweden between 2002 and 2021
Alexander Tyr1, Emma Molander1,2, Björn Bäckström3,4
1Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden.
BMC Public Health
|November 16, 2024
Summary
Unintentional drownings remain a concern, with Swedish data showing a plateau since 2012. Men over 50 and younger individuals of non-Swedish origin face higher risks, necessitating targeted drowning prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Unintentional drownings cause significant global mortality, with persistent demographic disparities.
- Understanding ethnicity's role in drowning risk is crucial for evolving European populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in unintentional drowning in Sweden from 2002-2021.
- To identify high-risk subpopulations for targeted drowning prevention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective national population-based study using Swedish registry data (2002-2021).
- Analysis included age, sex, substance use, activity, water body type, and ethnicity.
Main Results:
- Unintentional drowning rates plateaued in Sweden since 2012.
- Males, individuals over 50, men aged 40-69 boating, and non-Swedish individuals (especially <20 years) showed higher drowning risks.
Conclusions:
- A national drowning prevention strategy with annual evaluations is needed.
- Targeted interventions, including swimming lessons for non-Swedish individuals, are recommended.
