Injury patterns in rural and urban Uganda

Objectives - To describe and contrast injury patterns in rural and urban Uganda. Settings - One rural and one urban community in Uganda. Methods - Community health workers interviewed adult respondents in households selected by multistage sampling, using a standardized questionnaire. Results - In the rural setting, 1673 households, with 7427 persons, were surveyed. Injuries had an annual mortality rate of 92/100 000 persons, and disabilities a prevalence proportion of 0.7%. In the urban setting 2322 households, with 10 982 people, were surveyed. Injuries had an annual mortality rate of 217/100 000, and injury disabilities a prevalence proportion of 2.8%. The total incidence of fatal, disabling, and recovered injuries was 116/1000/ year. Leading causes of death were drowning in the rural setting, and road traffic in the city. Conclusion - Injuries are a substantial burden in Uganda, withmuch higher rates than those in most Western countries. The urban population is at a higher risk than the rural population, and the patterns of injury differ. Interventions to control injuries should be a priority in Uganda.