PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Moshiro, C
AU  - Heuch, I
AU  - Åstrøm, A N
AU  - Setel, P
AU  - Kvåle, G
TI  - Effect of recall on estimation of non-fatal injury rates: a community based study in Tanzania
AID  - 10.1136/ip.2004.005645
DP  - 2005 Feb 01
TA  - Injury Prevention
PG  - 48--52
VI  - 11
IP  - 1
4099  - http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/11/1/48.short
4100  - http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/11/1/48.full
SO  - Inj Prev2005 Feb 01; 11
AB  - Study objective: To investigate the effect of recall on estimation of non-fatal injury rates in Tanzania. Design: Retrospective population based survey. Setting: Eight branches in an urban area and six villages in a relatively prosperous rural area in Tanzania. Subjects: Individuals of all ages living in households selected by cluster sampling. Main outcome measures: Estimated non-fatal injury rates calculated at each of the 12 recall periods (one to 12 months before the interview). Results: Out of a population of 15 223 persons, 509 individuals reported 516 injuries during the preceding year. Of these 313 (61.5%) were males and 196 (38.5%) females. The data showed notable declining incidence rates from 72 per 1000 person-years when based on a one month recall period to 32.7 per 1000 person-years for a 12 month recall period (55% decline). The decline was found for injuries resulting in fewer than 30 days of disability whereas rates for severe injuries (disability of 30 days or more) did not show a consistent variation with recall period. Decline in injury rates by recall period was higher in rural than in urban areas. Age, sex, and education did not notably affect recall. Conclusions: Longer recall periods underestimate injury rates compared with shorter recall periods. For severe injuries, a recall period of up to 12 months does not affect the rate estimates. It is essential that a recall period of less than three months be used to calculate injury rates for less severe injuries.