Head Injury Incidence and Mortality in New Zealand over 10 Years

Abstract

Background: Although reducing the burden of head injuries is an important focus of several injury prevention initiatives, they remain a large proportion of injury-related deaths. In New Zealand, trends over time and the socio-economic distribution of the cause-specific incidence of head injuries have received little attention. Methods: We analyzed primary hospitalizations (2000-2009) and deaths (1999-2008) due to head injury using national mortality and hospital discharge databases, specifically exploring variations in age-specific rates by major causes over time and by socio-economic deprivation. Population-based incidence rate estimates were calculated using census denominators. Results: Children aged <5 years and adults aged ≥65 years had the highest rates of hospitalization and mortality, respectively. Transport-related incidents and falls were the leading causes, with most fatal injuries occurring on roads and most hospitalized injuries occurring at home. There was a significant increase in mortality rates among older adults over the decade, and in most age groups, mortality rates increased with increasing levels of socio-economic deprivation. Conclusions: The findings of this review alongside the significant risks of premature death and disability reinforce the need to explore policies that address the specific causes as well as socio-economic inequalities in their distribution in New Zealand.

The Burden of the Current Curative Expenditure of Injury in Dalian, China-A study Based on "System of Health Accounts 2011"

“…According to the estimate of National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the annual incidence of spinal cord injury was approximately 54 cases per one million people in the USA, in which the leading causes were vehicle crashes and falls [31]. A study carried out in New Zealand showed that head injuries remained a large proportion of injury-related deaths [26]. Besides, our results of body regions of injuries basically consistent with those of Zhao Meitao.…”

“…The probable reason was that people in different age groups were vulnerable to different injuries. Mostly caused by falls, there were high rates of head injury admissions to hospitals occurred among 0-4-year-old (215.5 per 100,000) and people over 65 years of age (188.5 per 100,000) annually [26]. These ndings were consistent with the international mainstreams of opinions.The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that most deaths from falls happen in those aged 65 and older.…”

Burden of Moderate and Severe Head Injury in Kashmir Valley

“…This is in concordance with the studies conducted in many developing as well as developed nations. 1,2,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]…”

Incidence and severity of head injury hospitalisations in Australian children over a 10‐year period

“…Head injuries are a global public health problem, especially among children, causing significant morbidity and mortality . Head injuries impact the social, cognitive and emotional development of children, and often result in ongoing support needs for the child and their family .…”

“…The most common mechanisms that cause head injuries in children are falls, road traffic crashes and sports activities, which are all preventable. Numerous safety measures have been introduced with the aim of reducing head injuries among children, including air bags, seat belt height adjusting booster seats and rear facing infant car seats, helmets, impact attenuating playground surfaces and trampoline safety enclosures .…”