Fatal accidents in Greenland.
The occurrence of fatal accidents in Greenland was studied for 1968-1985 with emphasis on the native Inuit population. 1004 deaths were recorded, 43% of which were drowning and boat accidents. The mortality rates from all fatal accidents together were 202 and 72 per 100,000 person-years in males and females, respectively, and fatal accidents made up 16% of all deaths. 23% of the accidents were alcohol related, considerably more in certain age groups and in females. Most accident types, including alcohol related accidents, showed a decreasing mortality trend during the period of study but boat accidents not related to alcohol increased significantly. The mortality rates were higher in East Greenland than in West Greenland for most accident types and, in West Greenland, the mortality rates from drowning, boat accidents, fire and accidental shots increased with remoteness from the capital. Many accidents can be prevented but certain accidents are natural consequences of traditional activities which hold compensating benefits.
Danish Institute for Clinical Epidemiology, Copenhagen.
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Bjerregaard
D000059:Accidents / Q000401:mortality*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D005260:Female; D006116:Greenland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male