Epidemology of home injury in Malaysia

Abstract

Home is second to road as a place for injury morbidity and mortality. There were 13,401 home injury cases and of which 44 case (0.3%) were fatal. Children below 10 years of age were the most to be affected (35.7%). Males had a higher incidence compared to females. Majority of cases seen were Malaysians (95.2%). Malays were the highest to be involved (54.8%) followed by Indians (17.3%) and Chinese (11.7%). Among the foreigners, Indonesians were commonly seen (2.2%). Compound followed by kitchen were the common location of injury. Home injuries were more frequent in the evenings between 4p.m. and 8p.m. Falls were the most common event leading to injuries (39.2%) followed by cutting andpiercing (29.2%). Most falls were on the same level due to slipping, tripping or stumbling (60.2%). Kerosene poisoning was common among children especially toddlers (52.6%). Pesticide poisoning was common among adolescents and young adults (20-29 years of age). 61.5% of poisoning deaths were due to pesticide. Majority of burns (70.7%) were as a result of hot liquids and solids. The frequently occurring nature of injury was open wounds (34.5%) and superficial injuries (27.0%) especially to the extremities and to the head. Products such as floor and flooring surface, stairs, furniture, toys, baby walkers had been identified as factors that could contribute to injury. 91.5% of home injuries were accidental and majority (86.0%) were given out-patient treatment.