Citation

Moshiro C, Heuch I, Astrom AN, Setel P, Kvale G. Inj. Prev. 2005; 11(1): 48-52.

Affiliation

Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2004.005645

PMID

15691990

PMCID

PMC1730168

Abstract

Study OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of recall on estimation of non-fatal injury rates in Tanzania. DESIGN: Retrospective population based survey. SETTING: Eight branches in an urban area and six villages in a relatively prosperous rural area in Tanzania. SUBJECTS: Individuals of all ages living in households selected by cluster sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimated non-fatal injury rates calculated at each of the 12 recall periods (one to 12 months before the interview). RESULTS: Out of a population of 15,223 persons, 509 individuals reported 516 injuries during the preceding year. Of these 313 (61.5%) were males and 196 (38.5%) females. The data showed notable declining incidence rates from 72 per 1000 person-years when based on a one month recall period to 32.7 per 1000 person-years for a 12 month recall period (55% decline). The decline was found for injuries resulting in fewer than 30 days of disability whereas rates for severe injuries (disability of 30 days or more) did not show a consistent variation with recall period. Decline in injury rates by recall period was higher in rural than in urban areas. Age, sex, and education did not notably affect recall. CONCLUSIONS: Longer recall periods underestimate injury rates compared with shorter recall periods. For severe injuries, a recall period of up to 12 months does not affect the rate estimates. It is essential that a recall period of less than three months be used to calculate injury rates for less severe injuries.