Burden, distribution and impact of domestic accidents in a semi-urban area of coastal Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of domestic accidents, describe the factors associated with domestic accidents and assess the medical and economical consequences of domestic accidents. Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a semi-urban area of Tamil Nadu during February 2013. A total of 3947 study participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Study variables included were socio-demography, housing conditions, epidemiological factors, medical and economical consequences of domestic accidents. Means and proportions were calculated. The prevalence of domestic accidents was 12.7%. Out of 500 domestic accidents, falls (54.4%) was the most common type of domestic accident. Females and the respondents in age group of 21-40 years were more commonly affected. About 60% of victims received treatment. Mean duration of hospital stay, mean amount of money spent for treatment and mean number of days away from routine work for falls category were 16 days, US$25 and 8 days, respectively, which are higher than other types of accidents. The burden and impact of domestic accidents was high. Therefore, in order to prevent and control domestic accidents, promotion of house safety measures and creation of awareness among the community using IEC programmes have to be undertaken.

Systematic review of drowning in India: assessment of burden and risk

“…A cross-sectional household survey conducted in Pondicherry reported 0.2% of all deaths to be caused by drowning 20. One hospital-based study from Vellore attributed 20% of all injury-related deaths to drowning,19 while a second from Tamil Nadu reported no drowning deaths to have occurred over a study period of 1 year 23. A review of autopsy records for women aged 12–49 years from one hospital site in Mangalore attributed drowning to 5% of all deaths 15.…”

Prevalence and pattern of domestic accidents in the field practice area of Jawaharlal Institute of Urban Health Centre, Puducherry: a cross-sectional analytical study

“…Other studies in urban and semi-urban areas showed a wide prevalence from 1.7% to 12.7%. 4,5,20,21 Similarly, in rural population the range was from 4.8% -14.6%. 1,16,[22][23][24] The higher values in rural population could be attributed to the dearth of knowledge regarding household safety measures whereas the present study had a prevalence in the higher side because of the inclusion period of reported accidents in past one year compared to three and six months in other studies.…”

A Cross Sectional Study on Domestic Accidents Among the Residents of Rural Field Practice Area of Annapoorna Medical College, Salem, Tamilnadu

“…(1) The problem is more grave in developing countries, particularly in rural areas, shanty towns or informal dwellings. (2,3) Every domestic accident brings a varying measure of distress to the victim as well as the family members. The consequences may be disastrous, both for the individual and the society when the accident results in permanent disability, as the victim loses his earning capacity and may not be able to enjoy a normal active life.…”