ONE OF the challenges faced by the health system is the large number of young men sustaining injury-related disorders.
Dr. Archibald McDonald, consultant surgeon, who spoke at a recent Blue Cross of Jamaica conference said a significant portion of the health budget is spent caring for injuries which occur mostly in young males in their third decade.
"The loss to our economy resulting from the high prevalence of interpersonal violence in our society cannot be measured. Preventative measures are urgently needed to curb this epidemic," he said.
Injuries are the leading cause of death from 1 to 44 years, and in all age groups it is exceeded only by cardiovascular disease and cancer. In the typical hospital emergency room in Jamaica, injuries account for 30 to 50 per cent of the cases. Intentional injuries (mostly interpersonal violence) account for 40 per cent of injuries in Jamaica, while another 20 per cent of injuries are accounted for by motor vehicle accidents.
Most of the injuries in assault cases, Dr. McDonald said, are inflicted by sharp weapons like knives and machetes. Firearms account for about five per cent of cases, but these patients are usually more severely injured. He also pointed out that drug usage was high among the victims of both interpersonal violence and motor vehicle accidents. Marijuana (ganja) is the most prevalent drug used.
