bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating risk compensation theory in cyclists: results from intelligent video analysis system
Authors: Constant A , Felonneau M L , Lagarde E , Messiah A
Published: March 2011

Background

The efficacy of lawful mandatory helmet use is in dispute, because of possible negative side-effects that have not been adequately documented so far (eg, risk compensation). Our team launched a randomised comparative study that measured for the first time risky behaviours of cyclists during their daily journeys and determine whether or not they are affected by use of helmets or others safety devices.

Method

Participants are recruited in a borrow-a-bike municipal program. They complete a questionnaire on their attitudes toward road safety and helmet use. They are assigned to one of the four arms of randomisation: In the control arm, they receive a bike on loan following the same procedures as those provided at a regular bike loan; in experimental arm #1 they receive a standardised information on the benefits of bicycle helmets; in arm#2, they receive a helmet for free, and in arm#3, they receive both information and helmet. Risk behaviours of cyclists are directly documented with an intelligent video camera system, designed to unobtrusively and objectively capture behaviours in urban areas. Behavioural data are matched with randomisation arm and questionnaires through a coloured code on the rear mudguard in participants. Behaviours are investigated as a function of helmet use and randomisation groups to meet study objectives.

Results

Results of the 3-month inclusion period indicate that we can expect to include 2000 participants and record 5000 events (2.5 events/participant). Definitive results will be available for the Safety 2010 World Conference.
How socioeconomic status influences road traffic injuries and home injuries in Rome
Authors: Farchi S , Camilloni L , Chini F , Rossi P Giorgi , Di Lallo D , Guasticchi G
Published: March 2011

Objective

To explore the relationship between morbidity, hospitalisation, mortality from Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) and Home Injuries (HI) and socioeconomic status (SES) of the area of residence. Source: RTI and HI surveillance based on the integration between the Emergency Department (ED) Hospital and Mortality data of Lazio region. The SES index (five levels: 1 most privileged areas; 5 most deprived areas) was derived using census data. For each injured subject the SES index of its census tract of residence was obtained.

Population

Residents in Rome, 2005 Italy.

Analyses

For each level of SES, we computed rates for ED visits, hospitalisation and mortality, adjusted by sex and age. IRR and 95% CI have been estimated using Poisson Regression.

Results

Out of 127 129 ED visits, 9576 (7.5%) were followed by a hospitalisation and 594 (0.5%) died within 30 days. SES was estimated for 109 993 cases, 87% of the total. The rates of RTI and HI ED visits were higher among the most deprived level of SES (IRR 1.27 95% CI 1.24 to 1.30; IRR 1.33 95% CI 1.29 to 1.37, respectively) compared to the most privileged ones. A strong relation was found between RTI mortalities and poor level of SES. These findings were more marked for 0–4 year old HI and RTI injured and for males.

Conclusion

RTI and HI incidence were associated to sociodemographic factors. This finding has implications for targeting injury prevention interventions and resources.
Association of water pipe smoking and traffic accidents
Authors: Saadat S , Davari M K
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Smokers are at risk for the chronic diseases, and they experience increased risk of road traffic crash (RTC), compared to non-smokers.

Waterpipe smoking is sort of tobacco use with an estimated 100 million daily smokers through the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Canada and Middle East.

The purpose of this research was to examine whether waterpipe smokers experience increased risk of RTC.

Methods

A telephone survey was arranged over a random sample of Iranian drivers.

Using a Poisson regression analysis, the association of number of RTC during the last year and the drivers' characteristics (age, gender, diabetes, cigarette or waterpipe smoking, average daily drive time [DDT]) and vehicle characteristics (vehicle age, antilock braking systems) was evaluated.

Results

A total of 2070 drivers were included. 14.9% reported at least one RTC during the last year.

There was significant association between number of RTCs and DDT, cigarette smoking and waterpipe smoking after adjustment for other variables. The association of RTC with waterpipe smoking was stronger than cigarette smoking.

The prevalence of RTC in drivers who reported smoking cigarette and waterpipe was more than those who reported only waterpipe smoking which was itself more than those who smoked only cigarette.

Conclusion

Our study is among the first to show the association between waterpipe smoking and the risk of RTC, yet the mechanisms of actions need to be studied further. Public health initiatives to increase awareness on harms of waterpipe smoking among male youngsters can decrease the burden of RTC.
Survival and early functional outcomes at hospital discharge after severe adult traumatic brain injury: sex and race disparities
Authors: Sanchez-Ortiz A I , Krafty R T , Weiss H B , Rubiano A , Peitzman A B , Puyana J
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Recent studies have suggested gender and racial disparities in outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We aimed to quantify the effect of sex and race on in-hospital survival and early functional outcomes at hospital discharge in severe adult TBI patients (SATBI) admitted to Pennsylvania trauma centres during 1998–2007.

Methods

Trauma registry data was analyzed using 26 234 SATBI (Age>17 years and Head-neck Abbreviated Injury Scale ≤4). Survival was fitted into logistic regressions. Functional outcome scores of five domains: feeding, locomotion, expression, transfer mobility and social interaction, were fitted into multinomial regressions through proportional odds. Models were adjusted for age, co-morbidities, injury mechanisms, transport, vital signs at admission, injury severity scores, hospital stay, and trauma centre level.

Results

The odds of survival in males was 0.72 times the odds in females (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.78). In survivors, males had higher probabilities of better functional outcomes in all domains (Feeding, OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18; Locomotion, OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.34; Expression, OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.20; Transfer mobility, OR 1.24, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.33 and Social interaction, OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.18). The odds of survival among African Americans was 0.81 times the odds in Whites (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.70 to 0.94). In survivors, African Americans had statistically significant lower probabilities of better functional outcomes in all domains.

Conclusion

Sex and race disparities independently predict survival and functional outcomes after SATBI. African Americans have worse outcomes when compared with equivalently whites. Although survival is lower in males than in females, they have better functional scores at discharge than females.
Household energy-related morbidity and mortality surveillance at a specialised burns unit in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Swart D , Paulsen R , Desai Y
Published: March 2011

The Paraffin Safety Association (PASASA) of Southern Africa is a non-profit organisation established in 1996 to ensure that paraffin/kerosene use, as a domestic energy option, is safe for especially low income households. One of the many challenges that PASASA must overcome is the collection and interpretation of robust surveillance data relating to household energy use. In 2005 a National Household Energy-related Injury Surveillance System incorporating GIS technology was established. This paper discusses data collected at a specialised Burns Unit housed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban. Almost a third of patients admitted were under the age of 2 years. Most of the patients were women contrasting with international findings. Most of the injuries occurred during the early hours of the morning caused primarily by scalds (48%) and flame (39%) burns. Of the recorded cases of the energy source associated with the burn injury, 21% was caused by electricity and 7% by paraffin. Most of the injuries (88%) occurred in the home while children were playing. Thirty percent of patients had body surface burns of 11–20% and 28% had body surface burns of over 30%. Thirty-seven percent of patients were diagnosed with partial thickness burn and 24% with full thickness burns. Data will also be presented on the number of skin grafts, surgical debridements, length of stay in hospital and cause of death. This paper also addresses challenges to develop and maintain this surveillance system and the implications to develop appropriate health promotion interventions.
The impact of a peer-led participatory health and safety training program for Latino day labourers in construction
Authors: Williams Q , Ochsner M , Marshall E , Kimmel L , Martino C
Published: March 2011

Background

Immigrant Latino day labourers working in residential construction are at particularly high risk of fatal and non-fatal traumatic injury and benefit from targeted training.

Objective

To understand the impact of a participatory, peer-facilitated health and safety awareness training customised to the needs of Latino day labourers.

Methods

Baseline surveys exploring exposures, PPE use, attitudes, work practices and work-related injuries were collected from more than 300 New Jersey Latino day labourers in construction prior to their participation in a 1 day (minimum of 6 h) Spanish language health and safety training class. The classes, led by trained worker trainers, engaged participants in a series of tasks requiring teamwork and active problem solving focused on applying safe practices to situations they encounter at their worksites. Follow-up surveys were collected from 70 of these day labourers (22% response rate) 2–6 months following training.

Results

Changes from baseline to follow-up revealed significant differences in the use of certain types of PPE (hard hats: alpha= 0.02; work boots with steel toes: alpha= 0.008; safety harnesses: alpha= 0.002 and visible safety vests: alpha= 0.04), and in the frequency of trying to self-educate about job hazards: alpha= 0.008). There was also a suggestive decrease in self-reported injuries (serious injuries the prevent completion of the work day: alpha= 0.07) post-training based on small numbers.

Conclusions

Participatory, peer led training tailored to the needs of construction day labourers can have a positive effect on Latino immigrant workers attitudes, work practices and self reported injury rates.
National survey of the injury prevention activities of sure start children's centres
Authors: Watson M C , Kendrick D , Stewart J , Coupland C , Hayes M , Wynn P
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To explore the injury prevention activity being undertaken by Children's Centres.

Background

Sure Start Children's Centres are an important part of the UK Governments 10-year childcare strategy. The aim of the Centres is to improve health outcomes for all children. Accident prevention is one of the many vital roles Sure Start Children's Centres have in protecting and promoting the health of children. The Centres have the potential to make significant contributions to home safety for children under 5.

Methods

A national postal survey will be undertaken in England to ascertain what activities Children's Centres are undertaking to prevent accidental injuries. The study population will comprise managers of Children's Centres. Cluster sampling will be used and 600 Centres will be included in the sample.

Results

The results will include: characteristics of Centres; Children's Centres health priority areas; injury prevention activity; knowledge and attitudes towards injuries and their prevention; and, barriers and facilitators to injury prevention activity. In addition, the data will provide an insight into accident prevention partnerships in England, from a Children's Centre perspective.

Conclusion

The findings will show what accident prevention activities for the under 5s are currently provided by Children's Centres across the country; and what support is needed to help Children Centre staff prevent accidents in the home. The study may highlight barriers to action as well as innovative effective practice.
Perceptions of local area as predictors of injury and physical activity among schoolchildren in Ireland
Authors: Molcho M , Kelly C , Gabhainn S N
Published: March 2011

Background

Unintentional injury and physical inactivity together are the leading causes for disability and chronic illness in young people. Although the benefits of physical activity are well documented, there is evidence highlighting the risk for injury imposed by physical activity, potentially acting as a barrier for active lifestyle. This study aims to investigate characteristics in the local area that could both provide safe environment associated with decreased risk for injury and increased level of participation in physical activity.

Methods

Nationally representative data from 10 146 students aged 10–17 years were collected as part of the Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (WHO-HBSC) study. All participating children completed a questionnaire during class time. The questionnaire included questions on injury, participation in physical activity, and their perceptions of the area where they live. Associations between local area perceptions and physical activity and injury are expressed in odds ratios from logistic regression models.

Results and Conclusions

43% of Irish children reported a medically attended injury in the previous 12 months and 28% reported that they are physically active for 60 min or more every day. While most local area perceptions were not significantly associated with physical activity or injury, perceptions of safeness of the local area were associated with lower level of injury and higher level of participation in physical activity. These findings highlight the need for safe environment for children to play and live, environment that promotes physical activity, and at the same time, are associated with fewer injuries.
Helmets for snow sports in Australia: prevalence, predictors, recent trends and attitudes of use
Authors: Cundy T P , Systermans B J , Cundy W J , Cundy P J , Briggs N E , Robinson J B
Published: March 2011

Background

Traumatic head injury is the leading cause of mortality and serious morbidity in snow sports and is increasing in incidence. Helmet use in snow sports can reduce incidence of head injury by up to 60%. Mandatory helmet use is not legislated in recreational settings for snow sports. This study aimed to quantify prevalence and trends of helmet use by skiers and snowboarders as well as investigate predictors of helmet use and reasons why they are worn.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including observation of skiers and snowboarders allocated to adult and child groups (5267), retrospective review of ski patrol accident report forms recorded between 2003 and 2008 (3984) and completion of a specially designed questionnaire by randomly approached snow sport participants (1029).

Results

In 2008, 16% of adults and 67% of children wore helmets. Helmet use increased for adults and children between 2003 and 2008. Children, males and snowboarders were significantly more likely to wear a helmet than respective counterparts. Significant predictors of helmet use were level of experience, past major crash requiring medical assistance, snow sport lessons and location of activity. Key reasons for helmet use and disuse were identified.

Conclusions

Child helmet use far exceeded adult helmet use. Rates of voluntary use are increasing but many remain unprotected from benefits of a helmet. Identification of those least likely to wear a helmet and their reasons for not doing so should allow targeted helmet promotion and injury prevention strategies to reduce serious head injuries in snow sports.
Factors protecting skin from injury: relationships between age, skin colour and skin elasticity
Authors: Everett J S , Fargo J D , Sommers M S
Published: March 2011

Aims

Our work demonstrates that after both rape and consensual sexual intercourse, women with light skin have higher ano-genital injury prevalence than women with dark skin. These findings suggest that the mechanical properties of dark skin may be more protective than those of light skin. If these findings are generalisable, they may have an impact on criminal justice proceedings, where injury from rapes is linked with successful legal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in skin elasticity between females with dark skin, as compared to those with light skin.

Methods

We enrolled 52 healthy female participants ≤18 years (M=30.8; SD=12.3), with a variety of ethnic backgrounds in a cross-sectional descriptive study, we measured skin colour (L*=light/dark; a*=red/green; b*=yellow/blue) by means of spectrophotometry. We measured skin elasticity variables (eg, skin deformation, elasticity and recovery) with a Cutometer MPA580.

Results

Skin colour L* values ranged from 796.96–7 229.33 (M=6238.96; SD=1116). While the correlation between skin colour and skin elasticity was insignificant (r=0.14), a statistically significant inverse relationship was found between age and skin elasticity (r2=−0.62, p<.0001).

Conclusions

The strong inverse relationship of age and skin elasticity indicates an increased risk of skin injury as women age. This data did not support the theory that skin elasticity is associated with colour. Study limitations include a disproportionate number of participants ≤25 years, with light skin, and self-identifying as White/Caucasian. Future work will include a larger sample, with greater parity across ages, race/ethnicities, and skin colours.
The trends in childhood unintentional injury death, hospitalisations and practice visits rate from 1984 to 2008 in Japan
Authors: Ishii H , Tanaka T , Uchiyama Y , Ichikawa K , Ikemi Y
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse trends of childhood unintentional injury death, hospitalisations and practice visits rate among aged 0–14 year olds in Japan.

Method

Mortality data of unintentional injuries and the patient survey provided by vital statistics of Japan was used.

Results

Under 1 year old, the mortality of unintentional injury death changed from 44.9 per 100 000 populations in 1984 to 13.2 in 2008. The rate for hospitalisations changed from 404 per 100 000 in 1984 to 441 in 2008. The rate for practice visits changed from 27000 per 100 000 in 1984 to 26800 in 2008. Among 1–4 year olds, injury death changed from 20.3 to 3.8. Hospitalisations rate changed from 552 to 423. Practice visits rate changed from 44 400 to 42 850. Among 5–9 year olds, unintentional injury death changed from 9.3 to 2.2. Hospitalisations rate changed from 642 to 397. Practice visits rate changed from 30 700 to 35 600. Among 10–14 year olds, unintentional injury death changed from 5.4 to 1.9. Hospitalisations rate changed from 662 to 505. Practice visits rate changed from 35 500 to 48 000.

Conclusions

Mortality of unintentional injury rate decreased over 25 years from 1984 to 2008, but practice visits rate was remained high under 1 and 1–4 year olds, and increased among 5–9 and 10–14 year olds.
Frequency of falls, fear of falling and subsequent activity restriction: influence of the fact of filling in a questionnaire alone or with the help of a third person
Authors: da Costa E Mendes , Ingenbleek A , Bantuelle M , Van Bastelaer M C , Leveque A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Falls frequently affect older persons and can cause fear of falling and subsequent activity restriction. Among older people, the help of another person is sometimes necessary to complete questionnaires. The effect of this assistance on the collected information can raise questions. We study the effect of completing a questionnaire with or without the help of someone on the frequency of falls, fear of falling and subsequent activity restriction.

Method

Cross-sectional survey; self-administered questionnaire; Fontaine l'Eveque (Belgium); 2006; persons aged 65 years and over non-institutionalised; 2812 questionnaires sent.

Results

Of the 501 received and eligible questionnaires, 82 were completed with the help of someone. In bivariate analysis, having fallen within the past year, being afraid of falling and having restricted activities were more often reported by people who did not answer alone. Among persons aged 65–74 and 75–84 years old, the association between completing the questionnaire with help and having fallen was not significant when considering simultaneously the fact of living alone and the sex. When taking into account simultaneously the age, the sex, living alone and having fallen, having completed the questionnaire with help was not significantly associated with fear of falling but it was with activity restriction.

Conclusion

The fact that someone has helped to complete a questionnaire is important to know and can influence the frequency of certain outcomes. Some distribution differences do not persist in our survey when considering other variables, variables which are thus important to take into account.
Interpersonal inmate violence in French prisons: results of the TARTARE survey
Authors: Miras A , Encrenaz G , Contrand B , Pujos S , Galera C , Michel G , Lagarde E
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To describe physical inmate violence in prisons and to determine factors associated with it (being victim and being perpetrator).

Methods

All Inmates of a prison for prisoners awaiting trial (Bordeaux, France) were eligible for this cross-sectional study. 375 inmates have been face-to-face interviewed by an experienced psychologist. Socio-demographic data, imprisonment conditions, health status and healthcare utilisation, mental health, impulsivity, aggressiveness, interpersonal violence (victim and perpetrator status) and suicidal behaviours were documented.

Results

Of them, 24 % were victim of physical violence at least once a month and 10% perpetrated physical violence at least once a month. Being victim of physical violence was associated with perpetrating it (adjusted OR=2.4), suffering from anxiety or depression (adjusted OR=4.0), having attempted suicide during imprisonment (adjusted OR=5.3), being widow, divorced or separated (adjusted OR=3.4), suffering from sleep disturbance (adjusted OR=2.1) and practicing indoor sports (adjusted OR=1.9). Those who had two friends or more in the prison were less likely to be victim of physical violence (adjusted OR=0.5). Perpetrating physical violence was associated with using drugs (adjusted OR=4.4), practicing indoor sports (adjusted OR=2.6), being between 18 and 25 year old (adjusted OR=4.0) and being incarcerated for more than 24 months.

Discussion

These results could help to improve violence screening in prisons. However, all data were self-reported but have been improved using data recorded by the prison administration when they were available.
Violence observatory, strengths, weaknesses and results, Popayan an example of teamwork
Authors: Saldarriaga A F H , Salcedo M , Martinez M I Gutierrez
Published: March 2011

Introduction

New trends in communication have challenged the way researchers analyse and prevent different forms of violence and make decisions on social problems such as violent deaths, robberies and great impact crime.

Objective

To use new methodologies for decision making based on analysis of statistics aimed at the reduction and control of violent deaths, robberies and great impact crime.

Methodology

Analysis of data using protocols, intersectoral working methodologies and tools that are the most appropriate technological solutions not only to this point but for the future. These tools include Internet, geo-referencing and real time statistics that are useful for opportune decision making to confront this public health problematic.

Results

Today developments, based on web technologies, allow the gathering of data from different institutions involved to be analysed, visualised and geo-referenced, having actualised information for the different surveillance system as the one build in Popayan, among others, that has allowed a better substrate for the development of prevention strategies and the promotion of a safer environment, count on the backing of experts for analysis and decision making, showing reductions in the rates over time.

Conclusions

Observatories take advantage of technology and use it to create solutions to community problems, and thus allow decision makers to develop solutions with the help of intersectoral work.
Helmet-use and incidence of crash injuries among pillion passengers in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ohajinwa C M , Sangowawa A O , Omotade O O
Published: March 2011

Background

This study assessed helmet use and motorcycle crash injuries (MCI) incidence among pillion passengers in Nigeria.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study conducted in 2009 adopted a multi-stage random sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to obtain information from 122 respondents. Observed helmet use among the passengers was also documented.

Results

Respondents mean age was 28.87.96 years, majority (51.6%)were females, 57.9% were single. About 60% of respondents frequently rode on commercial motorcycles. About 77% of the passengers reported never using helmet, and none of them was observed wearing a helmet while riding. Reasons for non use of helmet among passengers were non-availability of helmets (34.4%), fear of being hypnotised and kidnapped for nefarious purposes (20.5%) and 25.4% did not like it. Forty-seven percent of respondents had ever been involved in a motorcycle crash and about 20% had been involved in a crash in the year of the study. In 83% of the crashes, the rider was carrying more than one passenger. In 58.7% of instances, the passenger sustained injury to the leg, 26.1% involved the hand and 6.5% affected the head. Majority (75%) of the injuries were bruises.

Conclusion

Observed helmet use among the passengers was nil. There was also a high incidence of motorcycle crashes and subsequent injuries. Enhanced awareness on the importance of helmet use, ensuring the availability of standard helmet and enforcement of the helmet law are needed to address these concerns.
A study on comprehensive evaluation methods of the quality of injury surveillance based on Chinese hospital
Authors: Li L , Liu X , Yang J , Yu M
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Injury is an important public health problem, and injury surveillance is the first and important step of injury prevention, so evaluation of its quality is crucial. Our aim is to find one suitable, convenient comprehensive evaluation method so as to understand the quality of injury surveillance based on hospital, and to improve the data of injury surveillance, thereby to provide scientific proves to government formulating preventive strategies.

Methods

To conduct an investigation of injury surveillances impacting quality factors according to the unified method for the selected hospital and injury patients, and the influencing factors of injury surveillance quality were evaluated by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), rank sum ratio (RSR), close-value method, self-organisation neural network, grey relational analysis (GRA) and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Compared these results with actual quality, we found the suitable, convenient, comprehensive evaluation method. After verified in three other hospitals, the evaluation method will be adjusted and optimised.

Results

The correlation between the result of GRA and actual quality is significant (r=0.750, p=0.020), also the correlation between actual quality and WHO evaluation results (r=0.767, p=0.016). There were no significant correlation between other methods and actual quality. After verified, the three leading orders of actual results are similar with GRA results. The correlation coefficient is 0.883 (p=0.002).

Conclusion

GRA is suitable for evaluating the quality of injury surveillance system, and can evaluate the quality with convenience and fast, so as to improve the quality of data, and provide scientific proves to injury prevention.
Effect of first aid education on first aid knowledge and skills of drivers employed by the University of Ibadan
Authors: Sangowawa A
Published: March 2011

Objective

This paper presents findings on the effect a first aid training on first aid knowledge and skills of university drivers.

Methods

Quasi-experimental study was conducted among 176 drivers allocated into intervention (98) and control groups (78) using a cluster sampling technique. The intervention comprised a 2-day training on first aid for accident victims and a training on HIV/AIDS and the workplace for control drivers. First aid knowledge and skills were measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention. First aid knowledge was assessed using a multiple-item questionnaire and aggregate scores computed giving minimum and maximum obtainable scores of 0 and 25. The drivers participated in simulated accident scenarios during which their first aid skills were assessed and scored giving minimum and maximum obtainable scores of 0 and 24 respectively.

Results

The mean age of respondents from the intervention group was 51.75.8 years compared to 50.65.8 years among controls(p = 0.236). Median first aid knowledge scores before and after the intervention were 12 (5 20) and 15 (8 23) (p<0.001) for intervention and 12 (7 19) and 14 (5 18) for control drivers (p>0.05). Median first aid skills scores were 11 (2 15) and 15 (7 20) (p<0.001) for intervention drivers and 9 (2 18) and 8 (1 16) (p > 0.05) for controls.

Conclusion

The intervention resulted in meaningful improvement in first aid knowledge and skills of the intervention drivers. It is recommended that they be given first aid training to enable them provide this service to crash victims.
Teachers training needs on intimate partner violence (IPV)
Authors: Trendafilova P
Published: March 2011

The objectives of the study are related to healthcare and social care teachers training needs on the issue of intimate partner violence. The teachers training needs on IPV in Bulgaria are compared to the teachers needs in the other European countries, involved in this project. The aim of HEVI (Social and Health Care Teachers against Violence) 2008 to 2010 project is to respond to the needs of teachers in the social work, social care and health fields, at vocational and higher education levels, on the issue of intimate partner violence in Europe. The questionnaire was disseminated in seven countries (Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Rumania and Bulgaria). The total number of filled and returned questionnaires was 95. The results show that teachers recognise IPV as an important subject in the vocational education and they don't feel enough prepared to teach or tutor students about IPV at their school/college. The IPV is not included in the Curriculum of the vocational healthcare studies but it is included in the Curriculum of the social care studies. The teachers recognise the need for additional up skill training on IPV and the acquisition of new teaching methods. The majority is interested in 3-days training but there are differences between some countries. There is a lack of enough materials and tools on IPV available for teachers in Bulgaria. The most common used instruments are literature, audiovisual materials and handouts but there is a great need for more various materials in Bulgarian language.
Next steps for road safety: findings from the European status report on road safety
Authors: Zambon F , Sethi D , Kuznetsova R , Racioppi F
Published: March 2011

Introduction

In 2008 the World Health Organization undertook a global survey to assess the road safety situation in all Member States.

Aims and Methods

To assess the status of road safety in the WHO European Region and provide a baseline assessment of how far countries have come in implementing the recommendations of the World report on road traffic injury prevention. The survey used a standardised questionnaire administered to multisectoral respondents.

Results

49 out of 53 States belonging to the WHO European Region took part in the survey, representing 99% of the population. In the Region, road crashes result annually in 120 000 deaths, 2.4 million injuries and a great economic burden. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and users of motorised two-wheelers constitute 50 000 (or 39%) of all road traffic injury fatalities, with pedestrians being twice at risk in the eastern part of the Region compared to the western. Countries differ greatly in mortalities for road traffic injuries; the average in low- and middle-income countries is twice that in high-income countries.

Conclusions

Despite the dramatic achievements in some countries, safety on the roads still remains critical in certain areas of the Region. The following actions are proposed: narrow the gap between countries with the lowest and highest mortalities; provide better protection for vulnerable road users; develop a well resourced multisectoral road safety strategy in each country; design and enforce comprehensive legislation and develop and implement healthier transport policies.
Child restraints a cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice of traffic police in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Grivna M , Al-Shamsi H , Al-Hammadi A , Al-Obthani M , Al-Ali M , Al-Senani A , El-Sadig M , Bernsen R , Barss P
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Traffic mortality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is high; 2000–2006 incidence was reported as 10.1 per 100 000 person years for 0- to 4-year-olds and 7.8 for 5- to 14-year-olds. A 2004 study found only 4% of front-seated children and 1% in the rear restrained. Current legislation does not mandate child restraints (CRs); even for adults enforcement is limited. Since traffic police should be capable of supporting and enforcing regulations protecting children, their knowledge and attitudes toward CRs were assessed.

Methods

A January to February 2008 cross-sectional survey in Al A in city included visiting each police station during shift changeover using self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes about CR.

Results

The final sample included 260 traffic police (response 70%), 56% UAE citizens and 62% aged 25–34 years. For children <12-years-old, 94% felt rear seating was safest, although 3% chose the drivers lap. Misconceptions were greater respecting age-appropriate CRs, with 50% choosing booster seats as safest for infants, 48% rear-facing seats for 1- to 4-year-olds, and 50% rear-facing seats for 4- to 8-year-olds. CRs were felt necessary for front occupants among 86% and rear 87%. Traditional views on causality of crashes were prevalent; 93% cited destiny as a factor, 17% evil eye and 15% jinns.

Conclusion

Despite generally positive attitudes towards CRs, knowledge on age-appropriate types was limited and traditional views on causality prevalent. Education of police should include preventability of child injury and age-appropriate CRs.
The effect of education and safety equipment on burn and scald prevention practices and on childhood thermal injuries: update of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wynn P , Ilyas N , Kendrick D , Sutton A , Coupland C , Mulvaney C , Watson M
Published: March 2011

Objective

Childhood burns and scalds are a significant public health problem. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether home safety education and the provision of safety equipment increases burn and scald prevention practices and reduces thermal injuries.

Method

A range of bibliographic databases were searched until April 2009. Search methods also included other electronic sources; hand searching of conference abstracts, IPJ and reference lists. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and controlled before and after studies (CBA), involving children and young people aged 0–19 years, and their families.

Results

Preliminary results indicate that 49 studies met the inclusion criteria (29 RCTs, 6 non-RCTs, 13 CBAs and 1 CBA or non RCT). 27 studies were included in at least one meta-analysis. Families receiving home safety education +/– safety equipment were significantly more likely to have a functional smoke alarm (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.73) and to have safe hot-tap water temperatures (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.07). There was some evidence that interventions increased the prevalence of fireguards (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.94). The prevalence of fire extinguishers was increased only by interventions providing these (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.78 to 12.25).

Conclusions

Home safety education and the provision of safety equipment are effective in improving the prevalence of functioning smoke alarms and safe hot tap water temperatures. They may be effective in increasing the prevalence of fireguards and fire extinguishers. Further work is required to explore the effect of improving safety practices on thermal injury occurrence.
The UK burden of injuries study (UKBOI)
Authors: Lyons R A , Kendrick D , Towner E L , Christie N , Phillips C J , Coupland C , Hayes M , Macey S , Brophy S , Carter B , Groom L , Mulvaney C , Sleney J , Smith S , Stewart J , Evans P A , Pallister I , Coffey F
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The UKBOI study was designed to quantify important components of the population burden of injury in the UK.

Methods

A mixed methods study incorporating a multi-centred prospective cohort of injured individuals; extrapolation of patient reported outcomes to population metrics using routine data from emergency departments (ED), hospital discharge registers and mortality data; calculation of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) using Global Burden of Diseases methodology and estimated indirect costs; and the calculation of direct medical costs.

Results

The study recruited 1517 injured individuals. Estimated numbers (and rates per 100 000) for UK population extrapolations were 750 999 (1240) for hospital admissions, 7 982 947 (13 339) for emergency department attendances, and 22 185 (36.8) for injury related deaths, in the financial year 2005/6. An estimated 1 574 000 DALYs were lost from injuries occurring in that year, with 80% due to Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and 20% from Years of Life Lost (YLLs). Some 10% of DALYs lost were due to YLDs occurring within 12 months post injury and 70% due to lifelong injuries. Direct medical costs were estimated at 482 million for ED visits and 2.15 billion for inpatient stays, with indirect costs of up to 31.5 billion. The qualitative study with 90 participants revealed many additional negative consequences for individuals, family and society.

Implications

The high population burden and costs associated with injuries in the UK demonstrates the need for sustained policies and interventions in support of prevention.
What puts women at risk for partner violence? Factors associated with violence by a current partner in a nationally representative sample of German women
Authors: Stoeckl H , Heise L , Watts C
Published: March 2011

Objective

Partner violence has been established as an important human rights violation and public health issue. Although its pervasiveness is well documented, more research is needed on risk and protective factors in order to inform interventions.

Methods

This study is based on secondary analysis of the first national survey on violence against women in Germany. Women who reported violence by their current partner were compared to women who never reported partner violence, using crude and adjusted odds ratios and logistic regression analysis. Violence was measured using the revised Conflict Tactics Scale.

Results

The prevalence of physical and/or sexual violence by current partners was 17%. Women who experienced violence during childhood, including physical punishment, child sexual abuse or witnessing marital violence had higher odds of experiencing partner violence. Partner violence was associated with women's drug use within the last 5 years, physical disability or debilitating chronic illness, having more than three children, experiencing violence by a non-partner, and being isolated and feeling socially excluded. The odds of violence also increased if both partners were unemployed or lacked vocational training or if the woman but not her partner, had vocational skills. Relationships shorter than 5 years or where the man alone or both partners drank heavily were likewise associated with higher likelihood of violence.

Conclusion

Partner violence interventions should holistically address these factors by integrating primary interventions that reduce childhood risk factors and secondary interventions that tackle social isolation, employment, vocational skills and alcohol and drug use.
Exposure to terror attacks continues to effect community resilience after more than 5 years
Authors: Attinson M , Eyal E , Hornik-Lurie T , Ahronson-Daniel L
Published: March 2011

Background

Two terror attacks in Turkey, affected the local Jewish community. This paper attempts to deal with the resilience of the Istanbul Community in the face of terror, by way of two indicators which have been characterised as avoidance behaviour and public fear reflected in the responses to a questionnaire and analysed against the circles of vulnerability.

Methods

74 questions centering on exposure to the two terror events defined the circle of vulnerability”, in 210 members of the Jewish Community in Istanbul. Optimism, present fear and anxiety, relationship to the community, sense of security, religiosity and current behavioural patterns associated with the every day patterns of life in the community and its surroundings were recorded.

Results

People in the inner circle in the circles of vulnerability, have retained the affects of those attacks and are reflected in behavioural choices. The findings show that 1986's events still affect resilience, and given that the entire community was exposed to the events of 2003, hint that a previous event does not inoculate the individual or a community to deal with additional trauma in the future.. Profession increased the amount of avoidance behaviour in addition to the influence of the circle of vulnerability.

Conclusion

The influence of terror does not dissipate over time and thus the necessity exists to create awareness in communities of the issue of resilience, and to prepare appropriately action and responses to the issues of resilience of a community as a whole and the individuals who are a part of that community.
A new approach to road safety – road danger reduction and Bristol Council UK
Authors: Calvert T , Pilkington P , Davis A , Baugh M
Published: March 2011

Although in industrialised countries recent reductions in road casualties look encouraging, this reduction is partly due to decreased exposure to the road environment as fewer people walk and cycle. This reduction in walking and cycling has been facilitated by our traditional casualty reduction approach to road safety, which has neglected the needs of vulnerable road users. With the need to promote sustainable active travel, to tackle obesity and climate change, a new approach is needed. The presentation reports on an innovative partnership in Bristol, UK, between the University of the West of England, Bristol Council and NHS Bristol. This project examines an alternative road safety approach: road danger reduction. This holds that the surest way to improve road safety is to reduce the volume and speed of motorised traffic, while promoting walking and cycling. It states that there should be equity of danger experienced and ease of travel, between road users. These concerns of equity, accessibility and justice offer a new approach to road safety. Analysis of the literature reveals initiatives that share aspects of a danger reduction approach: Vision Zero in Sweden and Sustainable Safety in Netherlands highlight the potential of the approach to save lives. These offer valuable lessons. The next stage of the project, for completion in August 2010, involves expert stakeholder interviews and an audit of local road safety measures. The strength of this project is that it presents both the academic conceptual underpinning of road danger reduction and how it could be applied in practice.
Keeping children safe at home: qualitative study of children's centre managers and staff
Authors: Stewart J , Deave T , Goodenough T , Towner E , Kendrick D , Pitchforth E , Sealey P
Published: March 2011

Aim

To explore the views of professionals working in Children's Centres on the barriers and facilitators to implementing health promotion and injury prevention interventions.

Background

In the UK, unintentional injury is an important cause of death in 1–4 year olds. The burden of injury is highest for children who live in poverty. Co-ordinated services, and information and support, are provided by teams of professionals in Children's Centres for the families of these children. This includes injury prevention.

Methods

32 semistructured interviews will be conducted with managers and staff from Children's Centres in four centres: Bristol, Nottingham, Norwich and Newcastle. Purposive sampling will be used. Interviews will ask about health education and safety promotion programmes: capacity development within Centres and ways of engaging families. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed. Data will be analysed using the NVivo software package.

Results

Issues on barriers and facilitators and implications for practice will be documented. It will also allow us to identify how we can best support Children's Centre staff to implement evidence based injury prevention programmes.

Conclusions

The Keeping Children Safe at Home programme aims to develop a better understanding of how to prevent unintentional injuries in pre-school children. It will apply this knowledge, working with Children's Centre staff, to implement effective approaches with families served by the Centres. The findings from this qualitative study will inform the development of succinct, easy-to-read, evidence-based guidance which will be implemented and evaluated in Children's Centres.
Making the economic case for injury prevention and safety promotion: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: McDaid D , Park A
Published: March 2011

Objectives

A systematic review was undertaken to map what is already known about the cost effectiveness of strategies to promote safety and prevent injuries, both intentional and unintentional.

Methods

A range of databases were searched, complemented by examination of grey literature, academic and government websites and a hand search of key journals. Papers were independently reviewed and cross-checked by the authors; relevant studies were coded for findings and assessed using a economic evaluation checklist.

Results

More than 5000 papers were examined with more than 1100 meeting our initial inclusion criteria. The most common areas for economic analysis related to fall prevention (25%), transport safety (22%) and workplace injury prevention (21%).

Conclusions

Across many areas of injury prevention, actions could be identified that were not only cost effective but often cost saving because of future costs avoided. Less is known on the economic case for complex interventions which require behavioural change to be effective. The majority of work has been undertaken in the US; a high degree of caution needs to be exercised in transferring these interventions to other contexts. There is however much scope to retrospectively adapt and add economic analysis to existing effectiveness studies of actions to prevent injuries and promote safety.