A study of injuries and violence related articles in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION

Nepal lacks sufficient data on injury and violence. Studies have been done in different regions but there is not a nationwide study on this topic. So, we have designed this systematic review to get a cumulative picture of injury and violence status in Nepal.

METHODS

We searched Medline database, Google scholar database and also all the national medical journals for relevant studies on injuries and violence. Our eligibility criteria included studies done in Nepal, evaluating the incidence of different forms of injuries, and their causes and effects. We excluded case reports, editorials and reviews. All together, we had 23 studies. We made cumulative analysis wherever possible.

RESULTS

All the studies were descriptive. In overall, the incidence of injuries was twice as common in male as in female with the ratio of 2.1:1. The economically active population between 20-50 years of age was mostly involved in injuries. Road traffic injuries were the most common form of injuries, most of which (42.5%) involved motorcycles. Pedestrians (48.6%) were the most vulnerable group of population. Falls (48.9%) were the most common cause of neuro traumatic accidents.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review suggests that injuries and violence pose a big problem; road traffic accidents make the most part of it.