Citation

Stewart de Ramirez S, Hyder AA, Herbert HK, Stevens K. Annu. Rev. Public Health 2012; 33: 175-191.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine and International Injury Research Unit, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287; email: sderamirez@jhmi.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Annual Reviews)

DOI

10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031811-124558

PMID

22224893

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates injuries accounted for more than 5 million deaths in 2004, significantly impacting the global burden of disease. Nearly 3.9 million of these deaths were due to unintentional injury, a cause also responsible for more than 138 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in the same year. More than 90% of the DALYs lost occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the disproportionate burden that injuries place on developing countries. This article examines the health and social impact of injury, injury data availability, and injury prevention interventions. By proposing initiatives to minimize the magnitude of death and disability due to unintentional injuries, particularly in LMICs, this review serves as a call to action for further investment in injury surveillance, prevention interventions, and health systems strengthening. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Public Health Volume 33 is March 17, 2012. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.

Language: en