Non-Transport Unintentional Injury

Authors: Robyn Norton, Rajeev Ahuja, Connie H. Hoe, Adnan Hyder, Rebecca Ivers, Lisa Keay, David Mackie, David Meddings, Fazlur Rahman

Citation:

Abstract:

Nontransport unintentional injuries result primarily from falls, drownings, poisoning, and exposure to natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Older people experience falls more than other age groups, and falls occur more often from factors relating to street and house design, transport, violence, and rural locations. Men and boys are more susceptible to drowning due to increased exposure to water and riskier behaviors. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) a large proportion of burns happen in the kitchen or cooking area due to the nature of the cooking appliances, the source of heat, and the heating of liquids. Child poisoning cases result frequently from unsafe storage of chemicals or medicines. Prevention efforts focus on education, installation of safety features like smoke detectors and pool fencing, construction safety standards, exercise programs, and platform, instead of floor-level, cooking. In LMICs government interventions are not likely to address these types of injuries, so nongovernmental organizations’ and health practitioners’ support becomes increasingly important.