Spatial-temporal analysis of head injuries at the northwest of Iran 2014–2018

Background: head injuries (HI) are considered as a major public health concern across the world. This study aims to explore the incidence rate and spatial distribution of HI incidence at rural district levels in Zanjan province, Iran from 2014-2018.
Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and geospatial analysis of head injury incidence pattern in rural areas at Zanjan province, Iran. Data were collected from nine hospital information system databases. Age-adjusted incidence rate and three different spatial analysis methods (Spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and Anselin Local Moran's I) were used to detect the potential high-risk areas of HI incidence in the study area.
Results: 4562 patients were registered at Zanjan hospitals due to HI from 2014-2018. The age-adjusted incidence rate of HI was 429 cases (95% CI, 418,443) per 100,000 person which increased from 74 cases in 2014 to 86 cases in 2018, (an 18% increase, P<0001). The highest incidence rate observed among men (80%, P<0001) and at the age group of 15-29 (44.4%, P<0001). Qarabolagh region had the highest incidence rate and five hotspot, seven coldspot, two high-high cluster and seven low-low cluster of HI incidence were detected using spatial analysis.
Conclusion: This study provided an overview about the incidence rate and spatial pattern of HI incidence at finer geographical level at the northwest of Iran. This study detected high-risk areas and also showed a significant relationship between HI, geographical areas and genders, which can provide useful information for local health authorities to apply prevention programs for reducing the burden of HI in the society.