Both unintentional and intentional injuries are important contributors to health status in the Middlesex-London community. Data indicates that unintentional injuries were the fourth leading cause of hospitalizations in Middlesex-London and were a leading cause of death in those aged 12 to 44. Intentional injuries are also important to consider as they are a marker of mental well-being in the community.
Emergency Department visits for unintentional injury decreased significantly between 2005 and 2013, but hospitalization rates did not change. Deaths due to unintentional injuries have also remained stable since 2005. Although hospitalization rates in Middlesex-London were lower than the Peer Group, they have been higher than the overall Ontario rate since 2008. The young and the old were most at risk for experiencing an injury severe enough to require a visit to the Emergency Department but it was those in the oldest age groups who were at risk for the most severe injuries that resulted in hospitalization or death.
The leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among both males and females in Middlesex-London was falls, followed by motor vehicle collisions. The leading cause of injury-related death in both sexes was falls, followed by motor vehicle collisions among males and poisoning among females.
Seniors were at the highest risk for hospitalizations due to unintended injuries, particularly for falls. However, falls affected all ages across the lifespan, and an increase in fall-related hospitalizations was observed among males in Middlesex-London between 2005 and 2013. The rate of injuries from motor vehicle collisions declined significantly over time, and the rate of alcohol-related collisions causing injury or death declined steeply between 1988 and 2008. The youngest drivers were most at risk for causing injury and death due to drinking and driving.
The rate of hospitalizations due to self-harm increased significantly among females between 2005 and 2013. The younger population was most at risk compared to older people. Females were much more likely to be hospitalized for self-harm but males were much more likely to die from self-harm.