preliminary study of firearm injuries and deaths in Qena governorate, Egypt in year 2008

ABSTRACT

Firearm injuries are a major public threatening problem in many countries; they represent important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The incident varies greatly in different parts of the world, however the incidence and pattern of the firearm injuries and deaths in Qena governorate was not studied up till now. The objective of the study s to outline the pattern of firearm injuries in Qena governorate and compare it with the pattern seen in other parts of the world. The used method is a retrospective analysis of firearm analysis of firearm injuries and deaths examined by Medicolegal department of Ministry of Justice in Qena governorate during the period between January and December in the year 2008. The results showed that firearm injuries and deaths were one hundred and three cases which represented [11.6%] of total cases [885] examined by the Medicolegal department of Justice in Qena governorate, while firearm deaths were 45 cases representing [48.1%] of all fatalities [93] examined by the same department. Most cases occurred in the age group [30-40] years [48.5%], followed by the age group [40-50] years [23.3%]. Most victims were males representing [94.2%] of total cases. Permanent infirmities occurred in 9 cases of firearm injuries [8.7%]. Victims of homicidal attacks represented [97.09%], accidental cases [l.94%], while suicide occurred in [0.97%] only of firearm injuries. Sites of inlet wounds and cause of death could be determined. Locally made guns were used in 51.5% of firearm injuries. There is a need to reduce the number of firearms used and sold in Egypt. Handguns should be banned, and age limit for obtaining firearm license should be increased. We need to eliminate illegal country gun making units. Educational efforts, and individual, community and social approaches are needed to avoid firearm-related injuries