Domestic accidents in a rural community of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study on their incidence and characteristics.

Abstract

In a developing country like Bangladesh knowledge about domestic accidents is sparse. But accident is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. [1] The relationship between domestic accidents and human health is direct and associated with a chain of socio-economic consequences. In this paper we try to bring out the patterns of domestic accidents and their characteristics in a rural community of Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 297 households of Shitpara village under Bormi union of Shreepur Upazilla constituting 1171 family members to determine the prevalence and characteristics of household accidents. The collected data were then analyzed by SPSS 16. (Statistical package for social science)A total of 171 domestic accidents had occurred during one year period with a prevalence of 146.02/1000 population. Majority of the victims are male (52.6%). Commonest household accident was fall (50.9%) followed by Cut injury (22.2%) and Burn (11.7%).Health education program aimed at prevention and first aid treatment of domestic accidents and proper use of personal protective measures are recommended.

Keywords: Domestic accidents, Bangladesh, rural area, public health.