bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rescuer who drowns
Authors: Franklin R C , Pearn J H
Published: March 2011

There is no greater sacrifice than that made by a rescuer who throws it all on the line to rescue a drowning victim. However, in some instances the rescuer tragically drowns in the rescue attempt. This paper examines the circumstances surrounding the drowning deaths of rescuers.

Methods

All drowning deaths using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Deaths Registrar for the period 1 July 1992 to 30 June 2002 and the National [Australian] Coroners Information System for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2009 were examined to identify an unselected complete subset of drowning incidents where a rescuer drowned in attempting to effect a save.

Results

There were 98 victims who drowned while attempting a rescue. Of these 69% were male. The majority (61%) were aged between 25 and 49 years. Where data concerning the location of the aquatic incident was available (n=37) beaches (35%); rivers (21%); ocean (16%) were common. The summer (42%) was the season of most rescuer fatalities.

Discussion

The urge to leap into action to help someone in trouble is an altruistic impulse and often a source of pride in Australia. Sadly, a percentage (unknown) who attempt such a rescue do not return home. The drills and skills taught by lifesaving and water safety agencies provide a skill set which enables a potential rescuer to ensure both that they place themselves only at minimum risk commensurate with the circumstance; and have appropriate experience to undertake an effective rescue.
An impact assessment of banning wee-hour express bus operations
Authors: Norlen M , Fadhli Y , Ilhamah O , Zarir H Z , Osman M R , Wong S V
Published: March 2011

Public express buses operating during the wee-hours (24:00 to 06:00) has been associated with drivers fatigue leading to major crashes. In the interest of passenger safety, banning of the operation during that period could be an alternative for preventing fatal crashes. However, would banning offer a good solution to road safety? This paper highlighted the role of an impact assessment as a tool for decision making at policy level. Data collection involved profiling the existing operation scenarios, crashes involving public express buses, and profiling of stakeholders and public views were conducted. Then, a qualitative impact assessment using all information gathered during the profiling stage to describe the possible impacts was conducted. The outcomes of the impact assessment had shown that banning wee-hour operations are not likely to resolve the issues of driver fatigue, and has the possibility of worsening the situation if fundamental issues like the availability of resting and sleeping places, salary scheme and method of payment to drivers are not improved. The banning is also likely to have impact on the modal shift as 62% of passengers would still prefer to travel at night but using other mode of transportation which could be more dangerous. It is also not a feasible solution for sustainability of express bus operations in this country especially for those operating long journeys. Banning the wee-hour operation could compromises the overall road safety agenda in the country and it is not a possibly alternative to be considered at present.
Political mapping study and a practical model presentation on pertaining to the State of road traffic injury in Iran 2008–2009
Authors: Soori H , Royanian M , Ainy E , Movahedinejad A , Movahedi M , Mahfouzpour S , Hatamabadi H R , Vafaee R , Massoudinejad M R
Published: March 2011

Background and Objective

Political mapping of road traffic injuries (RTIs) is not clear in Iran. This study aimed to assess the lead agency in Iran and present a practical model on pertaining to the state of RTIs.

Materials and Methods

A phenomenological qualitative study was developed to explore and identify the share and roles of the stakeholders on RTI. In a gathering with university specialists, experts and traffic police stakeholders were identified. A validated and structured questionnaire was sent to international stakeholders. Library and Internet searching for selection of four countries from East Mediterranean countries, high countries and a country with high incidence of RTI was carried out.

Results

Stakeholders were from 15 governmental and 11 non-governmental organisations. The majority percent for leading agency organization were traffic police and president structure 13%. Percentages of World Health Organization (WHO) approach for RIT, unspecified roles in organization, poor monitoring for RIT, amount of authority, lack of suitable legislation, appropriate laws and tasks definition and adequate budget were 31, 94, 39, 18, 21 and 25%, respectively.

Conclusion

In comparison with other countries and on the basis of our findings, traffic police with the president support and a strong authority, appropriate legislation, defined tasks and adequate budget can play as a leading agency role on RTIs prevention in Iran. All the stakeholders, consistent with the WHO approach could have a protective role as consultant group in Iranian political mapping.
Injuries in Macedonia burden and postinjury impact
Authors: Tozija F , Dragan G , Sethi D , Nikovska D Gudeva , Kasapinov B , Sosolceva M
Published: March 2011

The aim of this paper is to assess the outcome and postinjury impact, analysing the data collected with the community-based injury survey conducted in Republic of Macedonia in 2008. WHO standard methodology has been applied on a nationally representative sample of 1200 households. The survey has recorded injury incidence rate of 5710/100 000 and mortality of 40/100 000. 75.2% of the reported injuries had not resulted in any physical disability. Most frequent physical disability is walk with a limp or difficulty using hand or arm; few reported inability to use hand or arm, loss of vision or inability to chew food. 46.4% of the victims were affected performing usual activities. 21.4% were not able to return to normal activities. Some of respondents stated losing their employment due to the injury. 31.2% reported losing days of work/school, on average 45 working days had been lost. There were also loss of work/school working days of a household member (7 days on average). 33.6% of injured reported decline in household income, while only one respondent stated a household member loss of employment due to taking care for the victim. This indicates that injuries and violence are serious public health problem that should be seriously considered for policy interventions. Prevention of injury and violence is set as on one of the priorities in the Health Strategy of the Republic of Macedonia 2008–2020.
Convergence between father and youth reports of high risk safety behaviours on the farm
Authors: Stoneman Z , Jinnah-Ghelani H
Published: March 2011

Parents assign dangerous farm work to children. Injury and death rates in the Southern USA are high with 40% of US farm youth fatalities (Adekoya and Pratt, 2001) and 30% of youth injuries (NASS, 2001). It is important to understand the degree of similarity in data obtained from youth and their fathers about high-risk behaviours of youth. This study examined reports of 86 farm youth and their fathers about the youths engagement in 25 high risk behaviours. Youth were aged 10–16; when families had more than one child, the youth who was most involved in farming participated in the study. There were significant differences between father and youth reports; fathers markedly underestimated risky behaviours engaged in by youth. For example, only 1% of fathers believed that their child had engaged in the extremely dangerous behaviour of stepping over a running PTO; 11% of youth had done this. Only 8% of fathers believed that the youth had operated a tractor on a steep slope; 66% of youth had done so; 21% of fathers believed youth had operated a tractor near a ditch or creek, 86% of youth had done so; 33% of fathers believed youth had operated a tractor at night, 69% of youth had done so; 59% of fathers believed youth had operated a tractor on a public road, 90% of youth had done so. Youth reported operating tractors at much younger ages than did fathers. Methodological implications of findings are discussed, as are recommendations for safety interventions.
Weightlifting injuries in the USA: data from 2000 to 2008
Authors: Jones C , Hammig B , Henry J
Published: March 2011

Weightlifting is a popular form of exercise for athletes and non-athletes of all ages. Previous studies suggest weightlifting has low risk for injury. However, the degree for injury may depend on a persons age and the purpose for weightlifting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current epidemiology of weightlifting injury to determine risk by age and gender and suggest potential environmental or behavioural causes. Methods included obtaining data for the years 2000 through 2008 from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System using product category 3265. Estimates are that approximately 650 000 injuries related to weightlifting occurred during the study years. Analysis will include the injury environment, diagnosis, intent and body location. The majority of injuries were to males and the mean age was 28. Narratives from the data will be reviewed to determine behavioural and environmental factors that precipitated the injury. Results indicate that weightlifting injuries are still a concern and are increasing. The majority of weightlifting-related injuries are minor but data provide evidence that hospitalisation and death can result from the activity. Children and older adults are high-risk groups for weightlifting injuries. In many accounts, children were bystanders or non-participants when injured. The home was the environment for the majority of injuries, especially to younger groups. Recommendations call for continued education of weightlifting participants in the home as well as in the commercial setting. Manufacturers should continue to consider the development of weightlifting equipment that reduces injury risk and increases safety.
Minimising harm to older persons from heatwaves: a survey of the awareness, knowledge and practices of community-based health professionals and care providers in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Ibrahim J E , McInnes J A , Andrianopoulos N , Evans S
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives

Heatwaves cause illness and death, and as a consequence of climate change, are likely to become more severe and frequent in the future. Minimising the health impact of heatwaves requires public health strategies targeted towards vulnerable groups, particularly older people. The purpose of this study has been to describe the awareness, knowledge and practices of health professionals and care providers regarding the minimisation of harm to older clients from heatwaves, in order to inform the development of effective harm minimisation practices and policies for Victoria, Australia.

Methods

An anonymous, cross-sectional survey of personnel from six health profession and care provider stakeholder groups that support the health of older people living in the community was conducted in Victoria in 2008. Descriptive statistics were derived through quantitative analysis.

Results

Survey respondents showed a high level of awareness that heatwaves can be harmful for older people; however gaps in knowledge were identified regarding thermoregulation, risk factors for illness and death during heatwaves, high risk groups, heat-related illness and the use of fans. Few organisations were found to have existing heatwave response plans, and responses to previous heatwaves were mostly reactive and opportunistic, rather than proactive.

Conclusions

Despite a broad level of understanding of the dangers of heatwaves, an opportunistic, reactive approach by health profession and carer personnel, in conjunction with gaps in knowledge, leaves vulnerable older people in Victoria at risk of significant preventable harm in the event of extreme hot weather.
Minimising harm to elderly Victorians from heatwaves: a qualitative study of the role of community-based health profession and carer organisations
Authors: McInnes J A , Ibrahim J E
Published: March 2011

Background and objective

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to public health and are very likely to become more frequent and severe in the future as a consequence of global warming. Older people are particularly vulnerable to harm from heatwaves. The purpose of this study has been to investigate the role of community-based health profession and carer organisations in Victoria, Australia, in minimising harm to older people from heatwaves.

Method

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted from September 2007 to February 2008, in Victoria, Australia. Twelve people were interviewed, representing four professional groups that support the health of elderly Victorians who reside at home. Collected data was analysed using a thematic framework approach.

Results

At the time of interview, none of the health profession and carer organisations was found to have formalised heatwave strategies, however their staff conduct a range of activities, as part of their normal duty of care, before and during heatwaves that may reduce harm to elderly clients. Interviewees discussed roles their organisations could play in a heatwave response plan, including coordination, identification of high-risk individuals and education. All saw a need for extra resources and training if more frequent responses to heatwaves were required. Gaps in capacity identified included a paucity of outreach programmes for the homeless.

Conclusion

It may be feasible to utilise the existing expertise and infrastructure of community-based health profession and carer organisations operating in Victoria within a State-wide Heatwave Response plan, however this will require extra resources, training and coordination.
Substance use in paediatric trauma: setting the stage for an injury prevention programme
Authors: Martin K , Charyk-Stewart T , Girotti M J , Parry N
Published: March 2011

Injury prevention initiatives provide education to increase awareness of high-risk behaviours and teach strategies to prevent injury. To be successful, these initiatives must identify at risk populations and understand how factors interact and lead to injury. Substance use is an injury risk factor, however, research is lacking in the paediatric population. This study was undertaken to describe trends in substance use and screening in the paediatric trauma population. A review of the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) Trauma Database (1999–2009) was conducted to identify patients <18 years who suffered severe injury (ISS >11). A total of 799 patients met inclusion criteria. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing was completed in 30% of patients of whom 21% were positive. Toxicology screens were done in 7% of patients, of whom 44% were positive. Increasing age was associated with screening for alcohol; while, screening for drug use had a bimodal distribution with no children ages 4–10 tested. Those screened for drugs and alcohol had significantly higher ISS than those not tested (BAC 28 vs 23, p<0.001, toxin screening 29 vs 24, p=0.003). The most common drugs ingested were alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabioids and opiates. Screening for substance use is sporadic in the paediatric trauma population at LHSC providing incomplete data on its true prevalence and impact. This lack of understanding limits our ability to create effective, age-appropriate injury prevention programmes. A prospective study utilising universal screening is needed to further delineate the true impact of substance use in this young population.
Child home injury mortality in Europe: a 16 country analysis
Authors: Sengoelge M , Hasselberg M , Laflamme L
Published: March 2011

Background

Child injury mortality and morbidity are a public health concern in European countries and data are scarce. Cross-national efforts are needed to identify high-risk groups, follow trends and assist in establishing European-wide safety legislation. This study investigates fatal child injuries in the home, as compared to those in transport in European countries.

Methods

Injury mortality was extracted from the WHO Mortality Database for the years 2002–2004. The mortality per 100 000 population was calculated by age group for 16 contributing countries, grouped by their economic level of development.

Results

Fatal home injuries were highest in children under five and then sharply decreased, as opposed to road traffic injuries which increased with age. The majority of the upper middle economy countries tended to have higher home injury incidence rates compared to the high income countries. The top five injury causes all countries aggregated were drowning/submersion, thermal injuries, poisoning, falls and homicide, all of which account for almost 90% of home injury deaths.

Conclusion

Home injuries were the leading cause of injury death in children under five in the countries under study and the inequalities found among the countries indicate potential for improvement. Evidence-based interventions exist to prevent these injuries and the barriers to their implementation ought to be determined and addressed.
The magnitude of the motor vehicle crashes in the United Arab Emirates during the period 1978–2007
Authors: Al Hosani Y , Stevenson M , El Sadig M
Published: March 2011

The WHO indicates that annually over one million people die and between 20 and 50 million people are injured in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) worldwide (Pedenet al, 2004).

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death accounting for 12.3% of all deaths in 2007 (Ministry of Health (MOH), 2007).

A retrospective analysis was conducted based on secondary data obtained from the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI), Abu Dhabi Police and MOH official reports during the period 1977–2007.

During the period 1977–2005, more than 400 000 motor vehicle crashes occurred in the UAE, resulting in 15 236 deaths and 233 111 injured persons (MOI, 1977–2005).

Drivers accounted for 49% and 25%, passengers for 44% and 44% while pedestrians accounted for 23% and 12% of MVC fatalities and injuries, respectively. More than 41% of deaths occurred among the age group 18–45 years.

Although there was a threefold increase in the number of MVC deaths and injuries during the period 1978–2007, the death rate/100 000 population declined by 40% from 37 in 1978 to 22 in 2007 and death rate per 100 000 registered vehicle declined by 86% from 382 to 55 during the same period.

The road traffic safety situation in the UAE is unacceptable when compared to high income countries (Bener and Alwash, 2002). Thus, serious steps with a bundle of comprehensive, multifaceted interventions that have been shown to be effective elsewhere should be adapted and implemented.
Academic formation and conceptions of accident and injury among non-English speaking students: a geometric data analysis hard look at terminologisation and injury notions
Authors: Blank D , Agranonik M , Marzola N R , Goldani M Z
Published: March 2011

Objective

To assess how the passage of Portuguese speakers through selected undergraduate university courses relates to conceptions of the words accident and injury.

Methods

Web-based survey of first and last-year students of medical, law, communication and education schools; investigation of associations/correspondence between attributes and conceptions through geometric data analysis.

Results

Study sample comprised 1450 subjects. Perceptual maps evidenced significant variation of conceptions of accident and injury according to different courses and stages. Subjects unanimously associated injury with moral damage; medical students were in stark opposition to others in associating injury with physical damage. The word lesion evoked equivalent conceptions of physical, moral and material damage. Law students associated accident with negligence and defamation. Education students associated accident with death. The word accident evoked the notion of preventability to 85.1% of subjects, foreseeability to 50.3%, death to 15.1% and intentionality to 2.3%. First-year students associated accident with non-previsibility; last-year students were significantly distinct.

Conclusions

Within the injury field, geometric data analysis efficaciously evinces correspondences and denotes significant associations among categorical variable modalities. A conceptual framework of injury as a nosologic entity should acknowledge the terminologisation of the word injury in the medical realm, and concede the subtleties of lay signification of the word accident as an anteceding, unintentional, and preventable event, potentially causing injury. In Portuguese medical language, there is a definition of specific semantic spaces for the terms lesion (with the acception of anatomopathological damage without external causation) and injury (with the acception of physical damage, with or without lesion).
TXT Rx: using health information technology to safely discharge suicidal patients from the ED
Authors: Larkin G L , Beautrais A L , Meredith T , Tabakakis K
Published: March 2011

Background

Increasingly, postsuicide attempt patients are discharged after emergency department (ED) and mental health evaluation, only to recidivate in the weeks to months after discharge.

Study objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of using an automated SMS text messaging programme to engage patients with outpatient services versus repeated ED care.

Methods

A mixed methods study of general ED patients at risk of suicidal ideation or attempt.

Design

A retrospective cohort quasi-experimental design assessing rates of suicide attempt and ED attendance pre- and postintervention. Postintervention, semi-structured interviews with a selected subsample of patients assessed feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction with SMS text messaging. The intervention employed Ecological Momentary Assessment to monitor mood and tailor automated SMS message response.

Setting

General ED (annual volume 77 000 visits).

Participants

Randomly selected adult (>16 years) ED patients.

Results

Of 1112 patients screened, 5.6% (N=62) had silent suicidal ideation or planning, revealed only on ED screening. Compared to 12 months prior to the intervention, patients allocated to the TXT Rx programme were less likely to return to the ED for any reason (25% vs 8%). None of the patients receiving the intervention made a suicide attempt in the first 6 months after discharge. In follow-up semi-structured interviews, patients receiving the SMS Rx intervention reported high rates of feasibility (98%), acceptability (95%) and satisfaction with the programme (95%).

Conclusion

ED patients with suicidal ideation or planning may be safely discharged with tailored, SMS text message follow-up.
Suicide terrorism: what, where, when and how in Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti J A , Mehmood A , Shahid M , Bhatti S A , Akhtar U , Razzak J A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Terrorism in which violence is intentionally directed at civilian targets has indeed become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in some Eastern Mediterranean countries. The aim of this study was to assess the burden and factors associated with this problem in Pakistan.

Method

Information about suicide-terrorism related events, deaths and injuries was extracted from South-Asian Terrorism Portal for the period from 2002 to October 2009.

Results

Out of 198 events, civilians were involved in 194 events. Civilian accounted for 74.1 (N=2017) of those died and 93.8% (N=6129) of those injured. In nine districts mortalities were more than 1 death per 100 000 inhabitants per year. Yearly trend showed a shift of attack targets from foreigners and sectarian in 2002–2005 periods toward security forces or general public in 2006–2009 periods. Attacks carried out on public installations (mosque) or gatherings (political) resulted in significantly high (p≤0.02) number of deaths (22 vs 8) and injuries (59 vs 24) per event as compared to security installations.

Conclusion

Civilian mortalities were 10 times or higher in Pakistani districts than that reported due to such mechanism in USA during 1994–2002 period. Prevention might focus on political negotiation with armed groups and taking appropriate measures for protection of mosques and political gatherings.
What protects youngsters from violence victimisation?
Authors: Gofin R , Avitzour M
Published: March 2011

Background

Violence, in its varied presentation forms is common among youth. Risk factors have been identified in diverse populations for different types of violence. In this study we assessed victimisation for specific types of violence common among young people, and determined what the personal, familial and school protecting factors are.

Methods

Students (12–14 years old) in 35 randomly selected junior high schools were from the Jerusalem Hebrew (secular and religious) and Arab educational system (n=2610). They answered an anonymous questionnaire, addressing personal, family, and school characteristics, unintentional injuries and violence. Victimisation included experiencing at least one of the following: was bullied, mocked, boycotted, was stolen or was taken personal belongings by force.

Results

Only 24.2% did not experience violence in the last term. In a multivariate analysis independent protective factors from victimisation were: type of school, being older, female (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.21), being participated in activities (OR 4.33, 95% CI 2.82 to 6.63), having two or more close friends (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.10), having good relations among students (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.15) and having a high family support (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.00). Hours of television viewing, participating in sports activities, membership in a youth movement or the reported family socioeconomic status were not significant protective factors.

Conclusions

Few children are not victims of violence in school. Protective factors for violence are positive personal, family and school relations. Interventions addressing these positive factors may help to reduce violence in young people and their natural environment.
Possible causes of motorcycle (Okada) accidents in Karu, Nigeria
Authors: AEtukumana I , Onumbu L C , John I , Valenti M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada in Nigeria are motorcyclists who carry passengers for hire. It is one of the major and most common means of informal transport in Nigeria. Its popularity and widespread acceptance has rapidly risen in recent years. Unfortunately, the rise has been accompanied by increased levels of high-risk behaviour and accidents; as a result they have come under heavy scrutiny culminating in legislations restricting and in some instances prohibiting their operations in some cities.

Objectives

To identify possible causes of motorcycle accidents among motorcyclists, and suggest some preventive measures.

Materials and methods

Karu was chosen for convenience of study. Karu is a nearby town to the federal capital Abuja, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire and interview were administered to 50 Okada riders. Okada riders were selected randomly at differently locations in Karu. Responses were analysed.

Result

Reckless driving accounted for 78% of the accidents while alcohol and drug intoxication 66% and 46%, respectively. Structural factors were faults in the motorcycles which were responsible for 44%. The poor state of the roads and absence of road traffic signs in 12% and 22% cases, respectively. Other attributing factor was unfavourable emotional state of the rider (22%).

Discussion and conclusion

Reckless driving was identified as a major cause of road traffic accidents among Okada riders in Karu, Nigeria. Adequate education and improved road safety measures will likely help in reducing the number of road traffic accident.
Characteristics of elderly and other vulnerable adult victims of homicide by a care giver: National Violent Death Reporting System – 17 US States, 2003–2007
Authors: Karch D L , Cole-Nunn K
Published: March 2011

Homicides of dependent elderly adults by their caregivers violate trust and have long term consequences for families. Understanding the characteristics of homicide by caregivers may provide insights for informing prevention efforts. Data collected in the National Violent Death Reporting System between 2003 and 2007 were used to characterise victims, perpetrators, care giver roles and circumstances that precipitated the homicides. Sixty-eight incidents were categorised into either homicide by neglect (n=17), intentional injury of the victim only (n=21), or homicide followed by suicide of the perpetrator (n=30). Demographic, mechanism of injury, location of injury and victim-suspect relationship variables are supplemented by narrative accounts of incidents. Overall, homicide victims were widowed (42.6%) non-Hispanic (97.1%) white (88.2%) females (63.2%) killed in their homes (92.6%) with a firearm (35.3%) or intentional neglect (25.0%) by a husband (30.9%) or a son (22.1%). The majority were aged 80 years and older (48.5%), 42.6% were aged 50–79 and 0.9% were aged 20–49. Those below age 50 were primarily persons with disabilities requiring care and those 50 years and older constitute elder abuse and neglect. Many homicide by care giver incidents were precipitated by physical illness of the victim and care giver, opportunity for perpetrator financial gain, mental illness or substance use, or an impending crisis in the life of the care giver not related to illness. The mechanisms of deaths, demographics and precipitating circumstances suggest multiple types of prevention efforts are required.
Listen and learn: working with ethno-cultural communities to share injury prevention
Authors: Fuselli Pamela
Published: March 2011

Safe Kids Canada launched the Ethno-Cultural Program targeted towards providing injury prevention resources for diverse communities in Canada.

Goals

To establish a national injury prevention programme that translates knowledge to diverse population in Canada.

Identified communities have access to culturally appropriate injury prevention resources for the purpose of influencing behaviour to reduce the burden of injury.

To establish collaborative relationships with appropriate key stakeholders, such as ethno-cultural agencies who serve diverse communities.

The programme has successfully developed and distributed culturally relevant safety messages for parents and community partners for the purpose of raising awareness and reducing child injuries within ethnic communities in the Greater Toronto Area – Chinese, Portuguese and Punjabi – but can be utilised across Canada. This programme sought to go beyond simple translation from one language to another, by instead engaging the communities who would benefit from injury prevention outreach in the assessment and development of the final resources. Key learnings showed that this method was effective and welcomed by the communities because of their involvement and the collaborative approach we adopted. Extensive cultural media outlets picked up the information and resulted in two million media impressions, 45 000 resources distributed and 100 community leaders engaged who now have increased capacity to provide culturally appropriate resources. This presentation will share the focus group formats, important lessons learned and the resulting resources now available in communities.
Urban–rural differences in school injury patterns: findings from 34 cities in 2005–2007
Authors: Hong J , Cho J Pil
Published: March 2011

To examine patterns of school injuries among kindergarten, primary, middle, high school and special school students by level of urbanisation in 34 cities.

School injuries reported to School Safety Insurance Federation in Kyunggi province, South Korea from 2005 to 2007 were analysed. Urbanisation levels were categorised into three groups based on urbanisation rates produced by Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs. Injury patterns were examined taking into account sex, school level, injury mechanism, injury factor, injury time, body part injured, month and day injured and remuneration.

During study period, a total of 18 787 students were injured at schools in 34 cities. Percentages of injuries in boys were higher in most urbanised areas than in least urbanised. We found a significant difference by school levels. In most urbanised areas, kindergarten students were more likely to sustain injuries and middle school students were least likely to be injured. Caught in something was more prevalent in most urbanised areas. Injuries by doors/windows/floors/walls and fires/hot water were more prevalent in most urbanised areas, but injuries by persons/animals/plants showed opposite results. In least urbanised areas, more injuries occurred on the way to or from school and during cleaning time and arms were injured most often. Urbanisation levels and injury percentages showed a positive correlation in March, July and August and an inverse correlation in January, April and June.

Since patterns of school injuries vary by urbanisation levels, more differentiated intervention efforts, which consider regional characteristics are needed.
Violence and homicide in South Korea in 2005–2007
Authors: Hong J , Cho J Pil
Published: March 2011

To describe rates and patterns of violence and homicides.

Reported violence and homicide cases to police during 3-year period were analysed. After reading police narratives for all violence and homicides, we coded those using a predetermined set of variables. Circumstances preceding cases, reason, inflicting method, place, time, relationship between perpetrators and victims, as well as sex, age, job, and educational level of perpetrators and victims were assessed.

During study period, 7410 violence and 55 homicide cases were reported. Women were more likely to be victims. Both perpetrators and victims were more likely to work in the service industry and perpetrators were more likely to be middle school graduates and victims were elementary school. Arguments/disputes were major reason and daily routine was major circumstance. In violence, body parts were most common method of inflicting, whereas sharp instruments in homicides. Relationship between perpetrators and victims was mostly strangers in violence, whereas in homicides, spouses/partners as well as strangers were the majority. Majority of violence occurred during night, but homicides occurred sporadically. Regarding urbanisation levels of onset areas, violence mostly occurred in urban areas, but homicides in rural. In violence, number of perpetrators and victims were more likely to be one person, whereas in homicides, number of perpetrators was more than one person.

Arguments/disputes, daily routine, strangers or spouses/partners, service workers and 40s are significant factors relating to violence and homicides in South Korea. Therefore, people with these characteristics should be the targets for crime prevention.
Does regional difference modify the effects of risk behaviours, perceptions and environments on injury events?
Authors: Hong J , Cho J Pil
Published: March 2011

To investigate whether the associations of risk behaviours, perceptions and environments with injury events differ by regions.

Community surveys were conducted among a representative sample of 4214 adults (≥19) in Wonju and Hwasung cities in 2008. Risk behaviours and environments were assessed by asking about 43 questions about home and street. Risk perceptions were assessed by asking about the preventability of injuries and concerns about injuries. Injury events were defined as medically attended injuries experienced during a 12-month period. Logistic regression was used to identify factors for increased injury risk, adjusting for sex and age.

Wonju citizens experienced more injuries than Hwasung citizens. In Wonju city, risk of an injury event was increased when inserting numerous plugs into a single electrical outlet, not removing water from bathroom floors after taking a shower, placing furniture which can be climbed on near windows, electric cords on floors in high traffic walking paths, smoke detector is installed. Unlikely Wonju, Hwasung city showed more injury events in the following; touching electric outlets or cords with wet hands, high doorsills in bathroom, inconvenient walking due to poor walkway or sidewalk conditions, inconvenient walking due to obstacles on passenger ways, and waiting for a long time to use crosswalks. There was only one similar item, inconvenient walking due to narrow pedestrian ways.

Identification of specific risk behaviours, perceptions and environments, which may modify the risk of injury events, assists in the development of injury prevention measures. But these measures should take into account regional differences.
Developing guidelines for interventions to reduce risk of low-speed vehicle run-overs of young children
Authors: Armstrong K , Obst P , Davey J , Thunström H
Published: March 2011

In Australia, research suggests that up one quarter of child pedestrian hospitalisations result from driveway run-over incidents, with the parent or family member of the child being most likely the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. As such, driveway run-over incidents are an important issue that need to be addressed through public health educative initiatives. A series of qualitative interviews were conducted in order to assess general behavioural and environmental changes that parents/carers had specifically undertaken in order to reduce the risk of injury to any child in their care. A second phase of the interviews was also conducted and focused on parent/carers perceptions and attitudes of the risk of a child in their care being involved in a driveway run-over incident.

The interviews elicited three main themes which together built a robust model representing the main aspects parents take into consideration in making a judgement concerning the safety of their child. The first aspect concerned the safety of the domestic environment. The second aspect concerned the level of supervision a child received, whereas the third included the child's ability to understand and comply with rules, as well as maturity of risk perception and skills.

The model developed from this research has direct applicability for the development and promotion of an effective intervention in order to reduce the risk of a driveway run-over incident occurring.
Comparison of mortality following hospitalisation for isolated head injury in the UK and Victoria, Australia
Authors: Gabbe B J , Lyons R A , Lecky F E , Bouamra O , Woodford M , Coats T J , Cameron P A
Published: March 2011

Background

Head injury remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide but advances in trauma systems, pre-hospital care, and critical care have led to improvements in survival.

Aims

Compare isolated head injury mortality in England/Wales with Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Population-based, isolated head injury admissions data were available for July 2005 to June 2006. To enable better risk-adjustment, severe isolated head injury (AIS severity >3) data were obtained for the same period from the trauma registries for England/Wales (TARN) and Victoria (VSTR).

Results

In 2005–2006, there were 7155 isolated head injury admissions in England/Wales and 1217 in Victoria. The in-hospital mortality was 12% for England/Wales and 9% for Victoria. Adjusting for key confounders, the odds of death in England/Wales were higher (AOR 2.0, 95 CI 1.6 to 2.5). 699 severe isolated head injuries were captured by the VSTR, and 575 by TARN over the 12-month period. The in-hospital mortality was 23% for TARN and 17% for VSTR. After adjusting for key confounders, severely isolated head injury patients were more likely to die in England/Wales than Victoria (AOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3). 72% of TARN cases were managed at a neurosurgical centre compared to 87% of VSTR cases.

Conclusion

Death following hospitalisation for an isolated head injury was higher for England/Wales when compared to Victoria, Australia. Differences in the rate of care at neurosurgical centres appeared to be a key explanatory factor.
Creating an effective prevention curriculum to reduce early adolescent transport risks and injury
Authors: Buckley L , Chapman R , Sheehan M
Published: March 2011

Adolescent injury is a significant health concern and can be a result of the adolescents engagement in transport-related behaviours. There is however significant planning and formative research needed to inform prevention programme design. This presentation reports on the development and evaluation of a curriculum programme that was shown to be effective in reducing transport-related risks and injuries. Early adolescents report injuries resulting from a number of transport-related behaviours including those associated with riding a bicycle, a motorcycle, and as a passenger (survey of 209 Year 9 students). In focus groups, students (n=30) were able to describe the context of transport risks and injuries. Such information provided evidence of the need for an intervention and ecologically valid data on which to base programme design including insights into the language, culture and development of adolescents and their experiences with transport risks. Additional information about teaching practices and implementation issues were explored in interviews with 13 teachers. A psychological theory was selected to operationalise the design of the programmes that drew on such preparatory data. The programme, Skills for Preventing Injury in Youth was evaluated with 197 participating and 137 control students (13–14 year olds). Results showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups from baseline to 6-month follow-up in a number of transport-related risk behaviours and transport-related injuries. The programme thus demonstrated potential in reduce early adolescents transport risk behaviours and associated harm. Discussion will involve the implications of the development research process in designing road safety interventions.
Effects of theory of planned behaviour, identity and social identity constructs on motorcyclists intentions to speed
Authors: Elliott M A
Published: March 2011

Motorcyclists are over-represented in traffic crashes (Department for Transport, 2008) and research shows that the commission of speed violations significantly increases motorcyclists crash risk (Horswill & Helman, 2003). This study therefore aimed to identify potentially modifiable cognitive variables that underpin motorcyclists speeding intentions (ie, variables that are likely to represent useful targets for safety interventions), using selected predictors from the theory of planned behaviour (affective attitude and perceived controllability), identity theory (self-identity) and social identity theory (perceived in-group norm and group identification). Participants (N=110 motorcyclists) completed online questionnaire measures of all theoretical constructs, operationalised with respect to speeding on both 30 mph urban roads and 70 mph dual carriageways/motorways. The cognitive predictors together accounted for large amounts of variation in intentions to speed on both road types (in excess of 44%). The independent predictors of intentions to speed on 30 mph urban roads were affective attitude and perceived controllability. For 70 mph roads, the independent predictors of speeding intentions were affective attitude and each identity construct. Additionally, and in line with social identity theory, it was found that the effect of perceived in-group norm on intention increased with group identification. The findings demonstrate that the cognitive variables examined in this study together constitute a useful model for predicting motorcyclists speeding intentions. They also demonstrate that interventions (eg, road safety education) need to be carefully targeted at the different predictors of intentions to speed on different road types.
A process evaluation of a comprehensive school based injury prevention programme
Authors: Chapman R , Buckley L , Sheehan M , Shochet I
Published: March 2011

A process evaluation enables understanding of critical issues that can inform the improved, ongoing implementation of an intervention programme. This study describes the process evaluation of a comprehensive, multi-level injury prevention programme for adolescents. The programme targets change in injury associated with violence, transport and alcohol risks and incorporates two primary elements: an 8-week, teacher delivered attitude and behaviour change curriculum for Grade 8 students; and a professional development programme for teachers on school level methods of protection, focusing on strategies to increase students' connectedness to school.

A comprehensive process evaluation methodology was used, including assessments of dose, adherence, quality of process and participant responsiveness with teachers and Grade 8 students at four Australian high schools. Programme dose, adherence and quality of curriculum delivery were assessed through independent observations. The observer also rated the degree to which teachers used connectedness strategies in class, following participation in professional development. Teachers' responsiveness to the professional development element was assessed through surveys immediately following the training, and through focus groups for in-depth information. Student focus groups also enabled insight into their responsiveness to the programme and their perceptions of teachers' use of connectedness strategies.

The results of this research provide an understanding of the application of a process evaluation to a comprehensive injury prevention programme and enable insight into the means by which the programme may be better implemented to maximise effect and sustainability. The findings also provide insight into the potential value of school connectedness in adolescent injury prevention.
Pattern of the postelection violence injuries of patients attended at the accident and emergency department of the Kenyatta National Hospital and the tools of violence employed
Authors: Odhiambo W A , Gitau R W
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The results of the Kenyan Presidential elections held on 28th December, 2007 were disputed leading to a serious outbreak of violence in various parts of the country. Over 1000 people were reported dead, thousands suffered various types and degree of injuries while hundreds of thousands were displaced from their homes. Some of the injured were treated at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Study Objective

To show the pattern of the post election violence injuries suffered by the patients treated at the KNH and to determine the tools of violence used by the perpetrators.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients records between 28th December, 2007 and 3rd February, 2008.

Results

There were a total of 474 patients; 441(93%) males and 33(7%) females treated for election related violence at KNH, out of whom 190(40%) were admitted and 8(2%) died on arrival at the casualty. The youngest patients reported were a 1 year old girl who suffered from multiple cuts followed by a 3 year old who was a victim of gunshot in the head. Thirty seven percent were young adults below the age of 26 years and nine children were aged below 12 years. Fifty five (11.6%) patients suffered gunshot injuries, 7 patients had arrow injuries, 6 of cases burns and 2 cases of forced male circumcision were reported.