Dissertation defence (Clinical Neurosciences): MPH Anne Abio

MPH Anne Abio defends her dissertation entitled “Mortality from external causes and behavioral mechanisms: An examination of data from low- and middle-income countries” at the University of Turku on 18 August 2023 at 12.00 pm (University of Turku, Medisiina D, Säätiö lecture hall, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku).

The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://echo360.org.uk/section/cb411f5c-69fd-499a-b6bc-7879656e3452/public

Opponent: Professor Jouko Miettunen (University of Oulu)
Custos: Docent Jussi P. Posti (University of Turku)

Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-29-9348-2

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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:

In the Republic of Seychelles, injuries contributed to nearly 1 in 10 deaths out of the all-cause mortality, with 1 in 10 among males and 1 in 20 among females. Drowning was the leading cause of injury related mortality among males, while the other unintentional injuries were the major contributor among females. Overall, there was a decline of injury mortality among males; although, the trend seemed stagnant among females. There was also an increase in road traffic injury related mortality among males during the 30-year period.

Traumatic brain injuries related deaths occurred in 1 out of 5 injury deaths. There was a reduction in the age standardized traumatic brain injury-related mortality over the course of 30 years, especially among males. Road traffic crashes were the leading contributor to traumatic brain injury-related mortality and mostly affected males in the economic age, while among females, the highest rate was recorded among the 0-19 age group.

The prevalence of adolescent suicidal behavior varied by country and geographical region in low- and middle-income countries. Several individual level variables were significantly associated with suicidal behavior, for example, feeling lonely, worried or anxious, a lack of close friends and the use of alcohol and/or smoking cigarettes among others.

This is the first study on external causes of mortality that used a civil registration and vital statistics system in its entirety in the African region. Therefore, other African countries could improve their respective civil registration systems so that it is possible to conduct research in the entire country and find interventions that are relevant to their context. Considering that mental health is associated is an important factor that affects all age groups including adolescents, research on the risk factors would provide guidance on the viable interventions and support uptake of mental health services targeting adolescents both in and out of school.
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