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Abstract
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Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in 15-24 years old and is considered the main reason for premature morbidity and mortality. In the United State, 14,089 deaths were recorded at this age group due to unintentional injuries in 2008.
An injury is defined as "The physical damage that results when a human body is suddenly subjected to energy in amounts that exceed the threshold of physical tolerance".
Injuries are considered either intentional such as assaults, homicide, suicide or unintentional such as road traffic accidents, drowning, poisonings, fires, sports and recreation, falls and work- related injuries.
In addition to the socio-cultural factors, biology plays an important role in engaging of adolescent's in risk-taking behaviors. The brain maturation occurs in late adolescence, which protects individual from risk of impulsive behavior that lead to injuries.
A study in Bahrain primary-care setting showed that 11% of the adolescents between 11-19 years old attending primary-care health centers are due to injuries. The rate is higher in males (16.2%) than females (5.3%).
School based student health surveys had been conduct in some Arab countries and showed that the percentage of adolescents whom seriously injured in one-year duration varies in different countries: Oman is the lowest 26.3%, UAE 30.7%, Tunisia 37.2%, Egypt 38.5%, Jordan 43.7%, Morocco 44.7% and Yemen is the highest 70.4%.
The objective of this review is to raise the awareness of injuries in adolescents and youth and to highlight the causes, consequences and prevention.
Language: en |