Publication: Economic and social burden due to injuries and violence in Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Injury and violence cause five million deaths annually in the world which is around 9% of the global
mortality. Eight out of fifteen leading causes of deaths in the age group 15-25 years are injury related.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence, severity and socio-economic burden of injuries and
violence in two cities of Nepal.
Materials and methods: Relevant data was collected from 17th August 2008 to 16th September 2008 from injured
patients attending emergency departments at six health centres in two cities.
Results: In total, 505 injury cases were reported. 42.5% of the injuries occurred in roads and 34.1% at home. 65% of
road traffic injuries involved motorcycles. The majority (60%) of the injured subjects were economically active. A single
injury case cost 126.2 US$ including all the expenses and the loss due to inability to work.
Conclusion: The high incidence of injuries, especially road traffic injuries, adds a huge economic burden to nation.
Key words: disabilities, economic burden, injuries, violence
Description
Joshi SK 1, Shrestha S 2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2Medical Officer, Kakani Primary Health Centre, Nuwakot, Nepal