New study: Nevadans more likely to suffer fatal injury

A new study released by the Nevada State Health Division reveals that Nevadans are more likely to die from injuries than residents of other states.

Injuries, especially from motor vehicle accidents, unintentional poisoning, drowning, homicide and suicide, were the leading cause of death for residents 44 years old and younger, according to the report prepared by UNLV's School of Community Health Sciences.

The state ranked 15th highest in the nation for injury mortality.

Adults who overdose on drugs or alcohol are primarily responsible for the state's high rate of fatalities from unintentional poisonings, particularly for men and women between 40 and 54 years old.

Alcohol was cited in 46 percent of motor vehicle deaths, 34 percent of homicides and 36 percent of suicides, according to the study.

"In Nevada, more people are unintentionally poisoned by alcohol than any other drug," the report's authors said.

"This report gives the date we need to make program decisions to prevent injuries in Nevada," said Dr. Mary Guinan, the founding dean of the School of Community Health Sciences.

In rural Nevada, the chance of dying of an unintentional injury is almost twice that of the cities. The chance of dying in a homicide is highest in Las Vegas or Reno.

The study draws a direct correlation between alcohol use and injuries. According to the study, 27 percent of Nevada males reported drinking more than five alcohol beverages in a single sitting during the prior month.

Douglas County residents are slightly more likely to die in a fall or from drowning, according to maps included in the study.

However, the study period of 2002-2006 was before the county started to post record suicide rates.

To view the study visit http://health.nv.gov.