Non-fatal injuries to young Victorians, 1986-1991.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of non-fatal injuries sustained by young Victorians requiring hospitalisation, and to provide baseline data to establish and evaluate injury prevention programs. DATA SOURCE: The Victorian Inpatient Minimum Database, as modified for use by Monash University Accident Research Centre. DESIGN: A five-year (July 1986 to June 1991) retrospective epidemiological study of 56,209 15-24-year-olds admitted to Victorian public hospitals because of injury. RESULTS: The annual Victorian hospital admission rate of 15-24-year-olds with injuries was 1609 per 100,000. The major causes of admission were, in order of frequency, transport injuries, falls (excluding falls in sport), sports injuries, assault, and self-inflicted injuries. The cost to the Victorian community in hospital expenditure is at least $31.5M per year. Of these injuries, 73.9% were unintentional; however, intentional self-inflicted and assault injury rates were higher for both adolescents (15-19 years) and young adults (20-24 years) compared with other age groups. CONCLUSION: High rates of injury for young people have been found, imposing a considerable burden on the community. As many injuries are preventable, the risk factors warrant further investigation. In particular, control measures could help reduce sports, transport-related and intentionally inflicted injuries.