Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury in the Republic of Korea from 2011 to 2014: based on three major data sources in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In the Republic of Korea, TBI is one of the top 10 causes of death, which contributes about 3% of total mortality. However, there is limited research on TBI in the Republic of Korea. The objective of this study is to provide epidemiologic characteristics of TBI in the Republic of Korea using three different major nationwide data sources. Methods: Three nationwide databases, National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS), Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (EDIIS), and National Death Statistics of Korea were used to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of TBI in the Republic of Korea from 2011 to 2014. Using each data source, burden of TBI as regards to the age group, gender, injury mechanism, emergency department result, and deaths. Results: Regardless of data source used, we found an increasing trend of TBI incidence in the Republic of Korea. Based NEDIS, more than 100,000 patients visit emergency department each year for TBI in the Republic of Korea and the numbers were increasing from 2011 (n=106,403) to 2014 (n=132,113). Regardless of the data source used, approximately 60% of TBI patients were males and occurred mostly in adults with aged between 15−64 years. Traffic accidents and fall were leading injury mechanisms of TBI as well as TBI deaths. According to National Death Statistics of Korea, nearly 4,000 people die due to TBI every year. Conclusion: Our study provides the epidemiologic characteristics of TBI in the Republic of Korea. From a primary prevention perspective, our study results also highlight the need for programs focused specially for traffic accidents and fall-related injuries. Further research is needed for the prevention of TBI.