Road traffic fatalities in Oman from 1995 to 2009: evidence from police reports

Fatalities from road traffic crashes [RTCs] are a public health challenge for low- and middle-income countries, especially those experiencing epidemiological transition. This paper aims to describe demographics and trend analysis of fatalities of RTCs in Oman from 1995 to 2009. The RTC data from 1995 to 2009 were obtained from the published reports of the Royal Oman Police [ROP]. Data were extracted on the distribution of deaths by age, sex, nationality, mode of travel [driver, passenger, pedestrians], and type of vehicle [four- vs. two-wheelers]. Trend analyses were carried out using the Chi-square for the percentages of deaths and linear regression for rates. A total of 9,616 deaths from RTCs were reported from 1995 to 2009. Of 9,616 fatalities, 4,666 [48.5%] were aged 26-50 years, 7,927 [82.4%] were males, 7,215 [75.0%] were Omanis, and 2,278 [23.8%] were pedestrians. Overall, mortality increased by around 50% from 479 deaths during 1995 to 953 deaths during 2009. There was a significant increase in the proportion of deaths [P < 0.05] and death rates [P < 0.05] among individuals aged 26-50 years, males, Omani nationals, and drivers. The number and rate of RTC fatalities due to overspeeding was also increased [P < 0.05]. Fatalities due to RTCs in Oman are increasing, especially among those aged 26-50 years, males, drivers, and Omani nationals with over speeding as a major cause of road traffic fatalities. There is a need for more research in understanding the risk-taking behaviors of young drivers, and sociocultural factors, especially among Omani nationals to target interventions

Firearm injuries presenting to a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

Violence in a public health problem in low and middle income countries. Our study attempted to define the circumstances, risk groups, extent and severity of firearm-related injuries in patients coming to the Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH] Karachi, Pakistan. This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of Emergency Medicine [EM] at AKUH Karachi, Pakistan. Past medical records of all patients who were injured by firearms and were presented to the AKIH Emergency Department [ED] from June 2002 till May 2007 were reviewed. Data were recorded on the basic demographics of injured, length of hospital stay, body parts injured and the outcome [alive vs. dead]. Total of 286 patients with firearm injuries were identified. Majority of them were males [92%, n=264]. More than half of them patients [63%] were in the age group of 21-40 years. Upon arrival to the hospital 85% [n=243] of patients had Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] >/= 13. The mean injury severity score [ISS] was found to be 6 [SD +/- 4]. The length of hospital stay of patients ranged from 0 to 54 days with a mean of 7 days. Lower limb were the most affected body parts [30%, n=86] followed by abdomen pelvis [27%, n=77]. Seven percent [n=21] of the patient who were brought to the hospital were labeled as 'deceased on arrival]. Most of the injuries were caused during the act of robbery [40%, = 103] in the city. Robbery was the most common cause of firearm injures. Lower limb, abdomen and pelvis were the most affected body regions. Educational efforts, and individual, community and societal approaches are needed to alleviate firearm-related injuries