Injury Prevention: An International Perspective : Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Policy

An reference for public health practitioners and policy-makers in developing and industrialized nations, this book offers detail on the circumstances of injury and the opportunities for prevention in a variety of settings. It describes approaches to injury control, surveillance methods, and preventive measures that are applicable.

Throughout the world, injuries are the leading cause of death during more than half of the average life span. This book documents the nature and magnitude of the problem and provides basic approaches to injury prevention. Injury statistics are given for many developing countries and indigenous populations as well as industrialized nations. Important differences among countries and cultures in types and circumstances of injury are illustrated in a tables and figures that enhance the book''s usefulness. The many types of injuries covered in detail include those related to traffic, occupation, disasters, drowning, falls, burns, suicide, and homicide. The cost and health impacts of injury are discussed as well as the role of health services. The authors describe surveillance methods and effective preventive measures that are applicable even in countries with limited resources. This book has been written for public health practitioners and researchers as well as policy makers. Reflecting the author''s many years of injury prevention experience in a variety of countries, the book will help readers understand this major health problem, the changes that could reduce it, and the means of influencing crucial public policies.