Injury Induced Mortality in Iran from 2006 to 2010

Introduction: To adequately measure population health, a health information system is essential. The main rationale for collecting routine data on population health is to provide information and evidence for designing and assessing health programs and to ensure that their objectives are being met. Accidents are one of the most predictable issues that constitute a major social and economic burden amongst communities, particularly in developing countries such as Iran. Methods: Among the available data provided by health information system, data on mortality are commonly used not only as health indicators but also as socioeconomic development indices. In Iran, two organizations, the National Organization for Civil Registration (NOCR) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOH&ME) currently operate death registration systems. In this research, a cross-section of accident-cause of mortality data from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in the year 2004 to 2010 was employed. Results: The highest rate of injury caused deaths was due to road traffic accidents in all these years and in both sexes. Traffic accidents were first in the ranking of unintentional accidents, the next ranking were burns, sudden intoxication with drugs and toxicants and fall in order. The proportion of deaths due to accidents in relation to the total number of deaths due to unintentional injuries was 69.9 in 2006, 66.3 in 2007, 66.3 in 2008, 68.2 in 2009 and 65.5 in 2010. Discussion: From 2006 to 2010, two thirds of injury-caused deaths were related to transport accidents. Although no significant changes are observable in 5 years, we can observe a gradual decrease in death. Conclusion: As we can see in this research, the first rank in injuries is related to road traffic accidents. This should be as a priority for various organizations and policy makers should find an appropriate and logical solution to resolve this problem.