PREVALENCE OF UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES AND RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN CANAKKALE CITY, WESTERN TURKEY

Objective: We examined the prevalence of unintentional injuries and associated risk factors among university students in Canakkale city, Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2007-2008. A total of 4,762 students completed the questionnaire. Risk factors associated with the rate of accidents were assessed by chi-square analysis and effects of these factors on unintentional injuries were described by logistic regression analysis. Results: The rate of unintentional injuries among university students was 14.9% during the previous 12 months. The most reported injuries occurred on the road (43.8%), at home (33.2%) and outside the home (26.9%) such as workplaces, schools or sports venues. The prevalence of unintentional injuries was significantly higher in males than females (18.1% vs. 12.0% p < 0.05). Results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender (OR 1.51), studying in college and vocational school (OR 1.34), perception of very bad (OR 0.49) or good economic status (OR 0.49), drinking alcohol (OR 1.52), using illicit substances (OR 1.70), having a diagnosed illness (OR 1.36), or having risk of developing depression (OR 1.54) had significant effects on the risk of unintentional injuries (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated that male gender, studying in college and vocational schools, illicit substance use, poor economic conditions, having a diagnosed illness and risk of developing depression can be risk factors for unintentional injuries among university students. Public health training programmes giving priority to high-risk groups such as university and high school students may be a valuable tool in reducing unintentional injuries among young people.