The burden of road traffic injuries in developing countries: the 1st national injury survey of Pakistan

Objectives: To assess the burden of road traffic injuries in Pakistan—a developing country in South Asia. Methods: A nationally representative household interview survey, to measure the burden of all injuries for all ages and in both genders using a three-month recall period. Results: The overall incidence of injury events was 41 (CI: 39.2–43.8) per 1000 per year and for road traffic injuries 15 (CI: 13.7–16.5) per 1000 per year. The relative risk for road traffic injuries was found to be higher in males, those 16–45 years old, and those in the professional category of laborers and vendors. Conclusions: This first national survey reflects the growing impact of injuries, especially road traffic injuries in Pakistan and portends a challenge for the national health system.