The case for improving road safety in Pacific Islands: a population‐based study from Fiji (TRIP 6) |
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| Authors: | Josephine Herman Shanthi Ameratunga Iris Wainiqolo Berlin Kafoa Eddie McCaig Rod Jackson |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand;2. Fiji National University, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences |
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| Abstract: | Objective : To estimate the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with road traffic injuries (RTIs) resulting in deaths or hospital admission for 12 hours or more in Viti Levu, Fiji. Methods : Analysis of the prospective population‐based Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospitals database (October 2005 – September 2006). Results: Of the 374 RTI cases identified (17% of all injuries), 72% were males and one third were aged 15–29 years. RTI fatalities (10.3 per 100,000 per year) were higher among Indians compared to Fijians. Two‐thirds of deaths (largely ascribed to head, chest and abdominal trauma) occurred before hospital admission. Conclusion and implications: While the RTI fatality rate was comparable to the global average for high‐income countries, the level of motorisation in Fiji is considerably lower. To avert rising RTI rates with increasing motorisation, Fiji requires a robust road safety strategy alongside effective trauma‐care services and a reliable population‐based RTI surveillance system. |
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| Keywords: | accidents traffic automobile driving Pacific Islands developing countries wounds and injuries |
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