Unintentional household injuries are a major public health problem that affects large numbers of people. Various population-based surveys from the literature showed > 40% of households reporting an injury that required medical attention. However, there is a general lack in comprehensive population surveys to highlight the risk of post-injury, help-seeking behavior and its associated financial cost. This study is part of the urban, home-based injury epidemiological study series (2007–2010) in Hong Kong.

A population-based, cross-sectional, random telephone survey was conducted using the last birthday method in 2009. A study instrument was developed and validated based on the modified Chinese World Health Organization guidelines for injury and violence surveys.

The study population comprised of non-institutionalized, Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents (n = 6,570). Among the 39.4% self-reported injuries within the past 12 months, only 8.6% of injured people had sought medical care. Respondents tended to seek medical care from the private setting in the first episode of post-injury treatment. Among health seekers, 70% of the injured participants reported having to seek a second treatment and the care-seeking pattern shifted from private to public medical service delivery setting. Predictors of service preferences were identified and discussed.

Medical care seeking patterns post-unintentional household injury was identified. Medical and emergency services providers may wish to consider health service implications.