UK burden of injury 2.6 times higher than previously thought
Researchers have found that the burden of injury is 2.6 times higher than previously thought.
The burden of injury – quantifying the impact injury has on an individual who is injured and on society– has been calculated as part of new research by Swansea University led by Ronan Lyons.
The research entitled 'Measuring the Population Burden of Injuries—Implications for Global and National Estimates: A Multi-centre Prospective UK Longitudinal Study' analyses a variety of types of accident data.
Using qualitative data from patients as well as morbidity data on patients treated in emergency departments, the research uses the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) formula that calculates years lost or reduced due to disability caused by injury.
DALYs combine the years of life lost (YLLs) and the years lived with disability (YLDs) to produce one DALY that equates to one healthy life lost.
The study says that the DALYs are 2.6 times greater than previously thought, and even allowing for a more conservative estimate, are 1.6 times greater than earlier estimates.
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors studies had previously calculated DALYs using panel studies and expert opinion rather than evidence and measurements of the Lyons et al study, resulting in the higher DALY rates.
The study also found that the majority of injuries were unintentional and that the home was the most frequent location for the injury.
1,517 patients over five years old were included in the study and their injuries included:
- Fractures and dislocations
- Lacerations
- Bruises and abrasions
- Sprains
- Burns and scalds
- Head, eye, chest and abdominal injuries.
Quantifying the burden of injury on society is important as it contributes to the public health response to injury and supports the development of policy and injury interventions.