The case for improving road safety in Pacific Islands: a population-based study from Fiji (TRIP 6)

Type Journal Article - Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
Title The case for improving road safety in Pacific Islands: a population-based study from Fiji (TRIP 6)
Author(s)
Volume 36
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 427-429
URL http://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds;[]=citjour​nalarticle_378323_19
Abstract
Objective : To estimate the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with road traffic injuries (RTIs) resulting in deaths or hospital admission for 12 hours or more in Viti Levu, Fiji.

Methods : Analysis of the prospective population-based Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospitals database (October 2005 – September 2006).

Results: Of the 374 RTI cases identified (17% of all injuries), 72% were males and one third were aged 15–29 years. RTI fatalities (10.3 per 100,000 per year) were higher among Indians compared to Fijians. Two-thirds of deaths (largely ascribed to head, chest and abdominal trauma) occurred before hospital admission.

Conclusion and implications: While the RTI fatality rate was comparable to the global average for high-income countries, the level of motorisation in Fiji is considerably lower. To avert rising RTI rates with increasing motorisation, Fiji requires a robust road safety strategy alongside effective trauma-care services and a reliable population-based RTI surveillance system.

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