Nature of the Problem

Injuries are a major problem in terms of morbidity and mortality and major injury concerns in Australia include:

• road accidents
• drownings
• workplace accidents
• suicide and self inflicted injury
• violence
• sport & recreation injuries 
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Extent of the Problem

Morbidity

1 in 20 hospitalisations in 2005 were due to injuries. 

Young males were far more likely to be admitted than females, largely due to Motor vehicle accidents and violence. Older females were more likely to be admitted than men due to falls.

Mortality

Injury and poisoning is the major cause of death for males from ages 1-44, & for females aged 1-24 (cancer overtakes as the number 1 killer from 25-44). Half of all deaths for people aged 1-44 were from injury (p233, ah08).

Suicide was the major cause of death for males in 2004-2005.

Falls were the major cause of death for females in 2004-2005.

Overall deaths have trended downwards for injury, particularly for transport related deaths. Suicide rates also declined in the late 90's however data is difficult to compare. In the 2008 AIHW report it is believed suicide and homicide deaths have been under reported due to new coding.

Risk Factors

Motor vehicle accidents -  speed, alcohol, non use of seatbelts, fatigue, lack of experience, peer pressure.

Suicide - multiple factors (unemployment, depression, changes in family structure, illicit drug use).

Groups at risk

Elderly - falls

Males - suicide

Young males - motor vehicle accidents

People employed in high risk occupations

children - poisonings  and drowning 

Social determinants 

Age: 1-44 (suicide and motor vehicle accidents) 65+ (falls)

Gender: Males (Motor vehicle accidents and suicide) Females (falls)

Low s.e.s: more likely to be employed in high risk occupations