Fatal injuries in rural and urban areas in northern Finland: a 5-year retrospective study
Permanent link
https://hdl.handle.net/10037/8999Date
2016-01-08Type
Journal articleTidsskriftartikkel
Peer reviewed
Author
Raatiniemi, Lasse; Steinvik, Tine; Liisanantti, Janne; Ohtonen, Pasi; Martikainen, Matti; Alahuhta, Seppo; Dehli, Trond; Wisborg, Torben; Bakke, Håkon KvåleAbstract
Methods: The Causes of Death Register was consulted to identify deaths from external causes over a 5-year time period. Data were retrieved from death certificates, autopsy reports and medical records. The municipalities studied were classified as either rural or urban.
Results: Of 2915 deaths categorized as occurring from external causes during our study period, 1959 were eligible for inclusion in our study. The annual crude mortality rate was 54 per 100,000 inhabitants; this rate was higher in rural vs. urban municipalities (65 vs. 45 per 100,000 inhabitants/year). Additionally, a greater number of pre-hospital deaths from accidental high-energy trauma occurred in rural areas (78 vs. 69%). 42% of all pre-hospital deaths occurred under the influence of alcohol.
Conclusion: The crude mortality rate for fatal injuries was high overall as compared to other studies, and elevated in rural areas, where pre-hospital deaths were more common. Almost half of pre-hospital deaths occurred under the influence of alcohol.