Injury patterns in rural and urban Uganda

Inj Prev. 2001 Mar;7(1):46-50. doi: 10.1136/ip.7.1.46.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe and contrast injury patterns in rural and urban Uganda.

Settings: One rural and one urban community in Uganda.

Methods: Community health workers interviewed adult respondents in households selected by multistage sampling, using a standardized questionnaire.

Results: In the rural setting, 1,673 households, with 7,427 persons, were surveyed. Injuries had an annual mortality rate of 92/100,000 persons, and disabilities a prevalence proportion of 0.7%. In the urban setting 2,322 households, with 10,982 people, were surveyed. Injuries had an annual mortality rate of 217/100,000, and injury disabilities a prevalence proportion of 2.8%. The total incidence of fatal, disabling, and recovered injuries was 116/1,000/year. Leading causes of death were drowning in the rural setting, and road traffic in the city.

Conclusion: Injuries are a substantial burden in Uganda, with much higher rates than those in most Western countries. The urban population is at a higher risk than the rural population, and the patterns of injury differ. Interventions to control injuries should be a priority in Uganda.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / mortality*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cause of Death
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Uganda / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / mortality*