Epidemiological patterns of suicide terrorism in the civilian Pakistani population

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the epidemiological patterns of suicide terrorism in the civilian population of Pakistan. Information about suicide terrorism-related events, deaths and injuries was extracted from the South-Asian Terrorism Portal (SATP) for the period from 2002 to October 2009. Of 198 events, civilians were involved in 194 events. Civilians accounted for 74.1% (N = 2017) of those who died and 93.8% (N = 6129) of those who were injured. In nine districts, mortality rates were more than one death per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The yearly trend showed a shift of attack targets from foreigners and sectarian targets in 2002-2005 to security forces or general public in 2006-2009. Attacks on public installations (mosques) or political gatherings resulted in a significantly greater (P ≤ 0.02) number of deaths (22 vs. 8) and injuries (59 vs. 24) per event compared with security installations. These results show that prevention might focus on political negotiation with armed groups and that appropriate measures should be taken to protect mosques and political gatherings.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and its predictors in emergency medical service personnel: a cross-sectional study from Karachi, Pakistan

“…This study was conducted around times of increased violence and strife within Karachi [ 23 ]. Data suggest that among all South Asian countries, Pakistan has the highest number of fatalities due to terrorism, with Karachi’s having one of the highest recorded figures [ 23 , 24 ]. Results from a study conducted in four emergency departments (EDs) of Karachi showed that 16.5% of nurses and physicians reported physical attacks, and 72.5% reported verbal abuse [ 25 ].…”

Fatal and non-fatal injuries due to intentional explosions in Nepal, 2008-2011: analysis of surveillance data

“…Such considerations must be taken into account when considering venue-based surveillance data. Another barrier to reporting in all countries, regardless of resources, lies in the difficulty of defining intentional explosive incidents as an injury category [34] and the lack of standardized definitions [35]. Variations in explosive incident characteristics such as device type, activation circumstances, and context (including armed conflict, criminal activity, and intent to cause terror among civilian populations) often lead to inconsistencies in definitions and reporting practices.…”

Impact of a predefined hospital mass casualty response plan in a limited resource setting with no pre-hospital care system

“…Pakistan also witnessed a staggering escalation in suicide bombings from 4 occurrences per year to 57 incidents per year over a five-year period. Casualties resulting from these tragic occurrences were predominantly civilian [4].…”