Study of Epidemiological Characteristics of Fatal Injuries Using Death Registry Data in Georgia

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological aspects of fatal injuries in Georgia. METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study that included all traumatic injury deaths in Georgia from January 1 to December 31, 2018. The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia’s Electronic Death Register database was utilized in this research. RESULTS: Of the study fatal injuries, 74% (n=1489) were males. 74% (n=1480) of all fatal injuries were caused by unintentional injuries. Road traffic accidents (25%, n=511) and falls (16%, n=322) were the primary causes of mortality. During the research year, the number of Years of life lost (YLL) was associated with injuries and was increased to 58172 for both sexes (rate per 1000 population: 15.6). Most of the years were lost in the age group of 25-29 years (7515.37). Road traffic deaths accounted for 30% (17613.50) of YLL. CONCLUSION: Injuries are still a major public health problem in Georgia. In 2018, 2012 individuals died from injuries across the country. However, mortality and YLL rates of injury varied by age and cause of injury. To prevent injury-related mortality, it is crucial to conduct ongoing research on high-risk populations.