Epide·miology of non-fatal injuries due to external causes in Johannesburg-Soweto Part I. Methodology and materials

In this, the first of two articles examining the epidemiology of non-fatal trauma in Johannesburg-Soweto, we define case inclusion criteria, and discuss the methodology and materials used in this low-cost, hospital-based survey. The survey was conducted between 8 June 1989 and 24 August 1990. Sampling of both inpatient trauma cases and those seen in casualty departments took place in 6 state and 5 private hospitals located within or nearby the Johannesburg magisterial district. Demographic details about each patient, as well as information concerning spatial and temporal details of the incident, involvement of alcohol or drugs, diagnosis, severity of injury, and placement after casualty treatment, were collected by interviewing each patient. Data concerning the age, sex and racial composition of the background population were assembled from a number of sources. After discussing the internal limitations of this methodology, it is concluded that its findings may be of limited use for improving secondary interventions, but are of definite value for trauma prevention programmes