Tennant, A.

In the UK, over six million people are unpaid informal carers for an ill, frail family member, or a friend who can’t manage to live independently, or whose health or wellbeing would deteriorate without their help. This saves the UK taxpayer over £119 billion a year (Carers UK, 2011). Although the role and experience of informal carers is unique to their situation, it is known that their health suffers and that they have an increased rate of mental and physical health problems.

Background: Injuries are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in young people. Despite this, the long-term consequences for young survivors of severe injury are relatively unexplored. Methods: Population based cohort study involving 5 year post injury structured interview of all cases of major trauma ( Injury Severity Score > 15) identified retrospectively for 12 month period ( 1988 to 1989) within former Yorkshire Health Authority area of the United Kingdom. Results: 125 individuals aged 11 24 years at time of injury were identified. Of these, 109 ( 87%) were interviewed.