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Oral presentation No. 08 Stable and dynamic differences in injury mortality between Melinder Karin, Andersson Ragnar *National Institute of Public Health **Karolinska Institute, Department of Public Health Sciences |
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Abstract |
Abstract no 8Background: A cross-sectional study has been conducted that analyzed the incidence of and patterns in injury mortality in the Nordic countries, and assessed the extent to which these differences could be explained by variation in data validity. Aim: The aim of the current study is to analyze long-termtrends and patterns underlying previously examined differences. The intention is to distinguish between differences of a relatively temporary nature and those which may be more durable. The findings might provide a basis for a hypothesis-generating discussion on national characteristics in relation to risk conditions and conceivable causes.Method: Both the total injury mortality rate and special sub-categories were examined. Result: There are some stable similarities: traffic accidents decrease in all countries, while intentional injuries increase or remain unchanged. There are also stable differences, Finland has the highest mortality rate in all categories (except with regard to transport accidents) throughout the study period. Denmark has high rates of suicides and undetermined cases, and also poisonings. Norway has a high rate of transport accidents. Sweden has low rates for almost all categories.Discussion: Two kinds of injuries are distinguished: those that largely have a social genesis, and those to which environmental causality applies. The pattern detected is that there is an increase in injuries with a social dimension, and a decrease in those with an environmental dimension. Denmark is high on injuries on the social dimension, but low on injuries with an environmental dimension. Norway is high on injuries with an environmental dimension, and low on those with a social dimension. Sweden is low (medium) on both dimensions.It was possible to relate the above-mentioned patterns in injury mortality to certain distinguishing descriptive features of the different Nordic countries (historical, social and economic). |
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Keywords |
Risk, Injury, Mortality, Trend |
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Contact |
Karin Melinder |
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Institution |
*National Institute of Public Health **Karolinska Institute, Department of Public Health Sciences |
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City |
Stockholm |
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Country |
Sweden |
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karin.melinder@fhinst.se |
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Phone |
+ 46 8 56 61 35 42 |
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Fax |
+ 46 8 56 61 35 95 |