Risk Factors for Injuries in Western Asia

Adnan A. Hyder, MD MPH PhD

International Injury Research UnitDepartment of International Health Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of

Public Health, USA

The Disease Causation Model

Microorganism

EnvironmentVector

Infectious disease model

Host

Injury Causation Model

Microorganism

Environment

Vector

Infectious disease model Injury model

Energy

Environment

Host

Vector or Vehicle

Host

Risks for road injuries

Road traffic fatalities are predicted to increase by 67% by the year 2020

Risks for Road Traffic Injuries…

Exposure:• Mode of travel• Poverty • Road design

Crash:• Speed• Alcohol/drugs• Vulnerability

Injury Severity• Speed• Lack of restraints• Lack of helmets

Outcome • EMS• Quality of care• Timeliness

Risks for Child Injuries

Poisoning

Falls

Road Traffic

Drowning

% of those <14y vehicle occupants who died and were found to have used safety restraints?

• = Zero (0%) % of those 10-14y traffic victims who were

driving?• = 24% The lack of known safety interventions is a

RISK for injuries!8

Example of Risk Factors from UAE:

Source: UAE University, 2008

Homes & Childhood Poisoning

“Household” chemicals (poisons) – cleaners,

medicines, kerosene – within easy reach of

children

Schools and Playground Falls

• Millions of children get injured during daily life

• At school, falls during play and in play grounds are common

Risks for Road Traffic Injuries

Rural Areas & Risks for Drowning

Pond Ditch

CanalSubmerged paddy field

13

Ghantoot Car Crash, March 2008 – 5 killed, 277 injured

Risk factors for injuries are both predictable and

preventable!

Adnan A. Hyder (ahyder@jhsph.edu)

From:International Injury Research Unit, Johns Hopkins Univ.www.jhsph.edu/dept/IH/IIRU

Thank you!