Water traffic accidents, drowning and alcohol in Finland, 1969-1995

Objective To examine age- and sex-specific mortality rates and trends in water traffic accidents (WTA), and their association with alcohol, in Finland. Materials and Methods National mortality and population data from Finland, 1969-1995, are used to analyse rates and trends. The mortality rates are calculated on the basis of population, per 100 000 inhabitants in each age group (<1, 1-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-44, 45-64, greater than or equal to 65), and analysed by sex and age. The Poisson regression model and chi(2) test for trend (EGRET and StatXact softwares) are used to analyse time trends. Results From 1969 through 1995 there were 3473 (2.7/100 000/year; M:F = 20.4:1) WTA-related deaths among Finns of all ages. In 94.7% of the cases the cause of death was drowning. Alcohol intoxication was a contributing cause of death in 63.0% of the fatalities. During the study period the overall WTA mortality rates declined significantly (-4% per year; P < 0.001). This decline was observed in all age groups except greater than or equal to 65 year olds. The overall mortality rates in WTA associated with alcohol intoxication (1987-1995) also declined significantly (-6%; P = 0.01). Conclusions In Finland, mortality rates in WTA are exceptionally high. Despite a marked decline in most age groups, the high mortality in WTA nevertheless remains a preventable cause of death. Preventive countermeasures targeted specifically to adult males, to the reduction of alcohol consumption in aquatic settings and to the use of personal safely devices should receive priority.