Correlates of injuries among adults in Pakistan

Purpose The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate the prevalence of injuries among adults in Pakistan and (ii) describe the association between injuries and various sociodemographic factors including age, gender, and economic and residency status among adults in Pakistan. Methods Using data from the National Health Survey of Pakistan (NHSP), 1990 to 1994, we identified all the adults between the ages of 20 to 69 years who had sustained an injury requiring medical attention in the previous 12 months. A two-stage stratified sample design was used for NHSP. Design-based analyses with STATA 8 was done using logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) were computed for the association of injuries with various demographic variables. Results The overall prevalence of injuries was 4.6% (95% confidence interval CI = 3.8–5.5) (n = 7253). In men, the estimated prevalence was 6.0% (95% CI = 4.6–7.2); in women it was 3.5% (95% CI = 2.7–4.4). Individuals who sustained injuries were more likely to be male (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3–2.2). Age was assessed in five 10-year groups. Compared with the 20–29 age group, a statistically significant association was observed in the age groups 30–39 (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.1) and 50–59 (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.4). No statistically significant association with injuries was found with residency status (urban vs. rural) or economic status. Approximately 60% of individuals reported that they had fully recovered from their injuries without any residual effect or handicap. Among all the individuals who sought medical care, 64% of individuals went to see a health professional (publicly funded hospital, private doctor, or paramedic) as a first choice. Conclusion Men were more likely to have sustained injuries requiring medical attention, and there is a need for health education targeting individuals especially in their thirties and fifties. An overwhelming number of adults had recovered from their injuries and had sought medical care in modern or western-style medical care settings.