Extrapolating these results to the current population of Nepal, it estimates the prevalence of non-fatal fall injuries in Nepal to be 1.47 million. It has estimated that nearly 16,600 deaths annually are due to falls in Nepal and that 14,130 deaths from fall injuries may have been averted with appropriate access to surgical care.
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| The Himalayantimes 23rd July 2015 |
“Our findings emphasise the high prevalence of fall injuries in Nepal at a population level. A hospital-based study was conducted in Kathmandu regarding traumatic injuries, the epidemiological spectrum of physical trauma was observed over a period of one year at Kathmandu University Hospital and its various outreach centers in the community,” the report, which was published earlier this month said. Fall from height was the most common mode of injury presented in the emergency department, followed by road accidents.“Our study equally suggests that fall injuries are the most common type of injuries endured by Nepali people with 37.5 per cent of injuries reported. Road traffic injuries account for 19.8 per cent and burn injuries account for 14.2 per cent.
The Nepal Demographic Health Survey revealed that 5.5 per cent of Nepal’s population is 65 years or older, while 5.8 per cent of its study population is aged 65 years or older, corresponding appropriately. Though limited empirical data exists exploring childhood falls in the developing countries, the World Health Organisation has ranked fall as the leading cause of injury in those aged 0-4 years.
