Citation

Bachani AM, Hyder AA, Kadobera D, Galiwango E, Rutebemberwa E, Bishai DM, Wegener S, Morrow RH. Inj. Prev. 2012; 18(Suppl 1): A92.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590b.12

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background Millions of injured individuals survive worldwide each year, often with life-long disabilities. However, the measurement of post-injury outcomes, especially in low-income settings remains a major deficiency in health information systems.

Aims/Objective/Purpose We apply a new short, 8-question instrument to screen for injuries and disabilities at the IM-DSS in Uganda.

Methods We utilised a modified version of the short set of questions proposed by the Washington Group on Disability Statistics. Information on injuries sustained within the prior year, and activity limitations was collected on all individuals over the age of 5 who were residents of the IM-DSS.

Results/Outcomes 57 247 individuals were included in the survey. 596 individuals reported having had an injury (62% Male; 38% Female). Of these, the majority were Road Traffic Injuries (41%), followed by falls, blunt injuries, and burns. Individuals between the ages of 15-59 years accounted for more than half of all injuries. 82% of injured persons also reported having a disability (OR 61; 95% CI 47.9 to 77.7; p<0.001). The most common types of difficulties reported were vision and mobility (lower and upper mobility).

Significance/Contribution to the Field This study shows that the modified short set of questions can be readily applied to obtain estimates on the prevalence and types of post-injury disability at the population level--a step towards understanding the long-term consequences of injuries and the type of care needed to address them in the population. This instrument could be adapted for use in other such settings allowing for comparable estimates across different regions and populations.

This is an abstract of a presentation at Safety 2012, the 11th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 1-4 October 2012, Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand. Full text does not seem to be available for this abstract.