Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Drowning Cases in a Coastal Region of Türkiye: A Retrospective Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim: Drowning is a critical public health issue and a leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide, particularly in coastal regions. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological trends, clinical features, and outcomes of drowning cases in Muğla Province, Türkiye, to guide targeted public health interventions and improve emergency care.Material and Methods: A retrospective, single-center observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital’s emergency department from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2024. Data from 45 patients diagnosed with drowning (ICD-10 code T75.1) were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, prehospital interventions, clinical severity scores, and outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of 28-day mortality, with p<0.05 considered significant.Results: The median age of patients was 55 years (range: 3–83), with males comprising 53% of cases. Most incidents occurred in the summer (71.1%) and in the sea (93.3%). Abnormal electrocardiograms and radiological findings were strongly associated with mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.008, respectively). The Glasgow Coma Scale Score and Revised Trauma Score were the most accurate predictors of 28-day mortality, with an observed mortality rate of 15%. Comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, also correlated with adverse outcomes.Conclusion: Drowning incidents remain a major challenge in coastal regions, necessitating enhanced prevention strategies, robust emergency resources, and validated scoring tools to improve patient outcomes. Future multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and inform broader public health interventions.
Authors: Halil Emre Koyuncuoğlu, Ömer Faruk Karakoyun, Yalcin Golcuk, Fulden Cantaş Türkiş, Stephanie Lareau
Institutions: Muğla University, Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7142060183