Levels and Trends in Injury Mortality and Morbidity in Sweden Since 1978

Sweden has after the Second World War established itself as a Welfare State, with a high life expectancy. However the reputation of a leading statistical system goes even further back. All citizens are covered in the national population register, since 1749. Death diagnoses are known since 1911, but there are reports on mortality pattern as early as in the late 18th century. The population is now 8,700,000, with 18 percent above 65 years of age. Overall mortality has decreased substantially after the second world war. Injuries are the leading cause of death up to 45 years of age. However the rate of fatal injuries has decreased from above 100 per 100,000 mean population for men 1977 to 75 the year 1991. The corresponding figures for women are from 70 to 40. All types of injuries, intentional as well as non- intentional, have decreased about the same, for both genders. Forty people per 100,000 cars in traffic (14 per 100,000 population) were killed in traffic injuries the year 1975. Corresponding figures 1992 were 19 (9 per 100,000 population). The number of work related fatal injuries were around 400 in 1955, and in 1992 it was less than 80. About I0 percent of hospital care is due to injuries. About 1/3 of care days for males and more than 1/2 for females are caused by femoral fractures. This means that there are new priorities above the traditional in injury prevention. A National Injury Prevention Programme has been established since 7-8 years ago. Background Sweden has after the Second World War established itself as a Welfare State, with a high life expectancy. However the reputation of a leading statistical system goes even further back. All citizens are covered in the national population register, since 1749