Non-fatal injuries to young Victorians, 1986-1991
Watt, G.M.; Ozanne-Smith, J.
Medical Journal of Australia 160(12): 790-794
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-729X PMID: 8208196 Document Number: 437758
Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of non-fatal injuries sustained by young Victorians requiring hospitalisation, and to provide baseline data to establish and evaluate injury prevention programs. Data source: The Victorian Inpatient Minimum Database, as modified for use by Monash University Accident Research Centre. Design: A five-year July 1986 to June 1991) retrospective epidemiological study of 56 209 15-24-year olds admitted to Victorian public hospitals because of injury. Results: The annual Victorian hospital admission rate of 15-24 year-olds with injuries was 1609 per 100000. The major causes of admission were, in order of frequency, transport injuries, falls (excluding falls in sport), sports injuries, assault, and self-inflicted injuries. The cost to the Victorian community in hospital expenditure is at least 31.5M per year. Of these injuries, 73.9% were unintentional; however, intentional self-inflicted and assault injury rates were higher for both adolescents (15-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) compared with other age groups. Conclusion: High rates of injury for young people have been found, imposing a considerable burden on the community. As many injuries are preventable, the risk factors warrant further investigation. In particular, control measures could help reduce sports, transport-related and intentionally inflicted injuries.