bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTIMATE FEMICIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA: COMPARING TWO STUDIES 10 YEARS APART
Authors: Abrahams N , Mathews S , Jewkes R , Martin L , Lombard C
Published: October 2012

Background

The killing of a woman by an intimate partner is the most extreme outcome of intimate partner violence.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We compare the results of a national female homicide study in South Africa that described the epidemiology of intimate femicide for 1999 with the findings from a repeat study 10 years later (2009).

Methods

The methodology of the 1999 study was repeated using a retrospective design of a proportionate random sample of 38 medico-legal laboratories to identify all homicides in 2009 of women over 13 years. Data was abstracted from the mortuary file, autopsy report, and from police data.

Results/Outcome

We estimated 2363 (95% CI 1702 to 3023) female homicides in 2009 compared to 3793 (95% CI 2693 to 4894) in 1999, a 47.8% lower rate (12.9/100 000 vs 24.7/100 000). Intimate femicide rates declined by 36.4% (5.6/100 000 in 2009 vs 8.8/100 000 in 1999) whereas non-intimate femicide rates declined by 49.5%. More rapes were reported among non-intimate femicides in 2009 (p=0.00) while a significant overall reduction of gun murders were found between the 2 years (p=0.04). Convictions declined among non-intimate femicides (p=0.000) (32.7% vs 23.1%) whereas it was stable for intimate femicides (37.4% vs 35.1%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Study show homicide in South Africa is declining but gender-based homicides are disproportionately resistant to the change, and rape homicides have proportionately increased. The lesser reduction in intimate's points to poor implementation of intervention programmes for prevention of intimate partner violence.
PREVENTING CHILD MALTREATMENT: IS THERE A NEED FOR A EUROPEAN POLICY?
Authors: Sethi D , Mitis F
Published: October 2012

Background

The United Nations Secretary-General's report on violence against children has heightened awareness in countries of the victimisation of children worldwide. The response has been greater emphasis on child protection rather than primary prevention.

Purpose

To raise the level of debate about the need for European wide policy on the primary prevention of child maltreatment.

Methods

Policy analysis based on documents, survey of health ministry focal persons and age standardised mortality rates.

Results

Child maltreatment is responsible for 1500 deaths in children under 5 years of age in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region. Deaths are the tip of the clinical iceberg and millions of children are affected annually. In spite the gravity of this problem, only 80% of European Member States have policies for child maltreatment, and only 40% focus on primary prevention. WHO is conducting surveys of adverse childhood experiences in Lithuania, Latvia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Romania. Results are being presented at national policy dialogues to prioritise prevention.

Significance

Maltreatment constitutes one of the most severe forms of adverse experiences in childhood, and which are implicated in health risk behaviours and health effects such as the development of noncommunicable disease, mental illness and violence. Policy links are being made to the current global and European health agenda on noncommunicable disease, social determinants of health and Health 2020. This paper presents the evidence and discusses the need for a European policy to advocate for preventing child maltreatment.
ROLE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT, PARENTAL CARE, PARENTS' PERSONALITY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADOLESCENTS' MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Deb S
Published: October 2012

Background

Home environment and parent's personality are crucial for good mental health of the children and adolescents.

Objective

The broad objective of the study was to examine the relationships between home environment, parental care, parent's personality and mental health of Grade XI and XII adolescents with special reference to adjustment, anxiety, self-concept and self-confidence.

Methods

A group of 370 adolescents was covered in the study and data were collected by a Semi-structured Questionnaire and three standardised psychological tests.

Results

About one-third (33.8%) adolescents perceived family environment to be disturbed. In this regard, statistically significant difference was found between male and female adolescents (p<0.05). A quarter (24.6%) of the adolescents thought that their parents were too much interfering in their personal affairs. Too much parental pressure for better academic performance was reported by nearly half (46.2%) of the adolescents. Overall, fathers were more likely to be considered as dominating (χ2(1, 740)=15.23, p<0.001) and short-tempered (χ2(1, 740)=7.51, p=0.006), while mothers were more likely to be considered as friendly (χ2(1, 740)=51.64, p<0.001). The results of multiple regression analyses indicate that parental care was associated with high self-confidence while parental pressure was associated with high anxiety. Considering father as friendly was associated with low emotional adjustment and high self-concept while mother as short-tempered was related to high anxiety.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Outcome of the study suggests sensitisation programme for parents and Life Skill Education for adolescents.
PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY TO PREVENT FAMILY VIOLENCE
Authors: James M
Published: October 2012

Background

The Taranaki Safe Families Trust supports a collaborative of 25 agencies working to plan and deliver a range of local projects linked to the national campaign for action on family violence.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Two recently developed projects focus on workplaces and sports clubs respectively and have common objectives to increase awareness and make family violence visible and constructively talked about and to create a social climate supporting behaviour change.

Methods

The approach is developed in partnership with employers and clubs or codes and involves establishing and formalising the relationship, reviewing policies and practices, establishing communication channels within the organisation, delivering information resources and training and increasing the capacity within the organisation to support behaviour change.

Results/Outcomes

Partnerships have been established with New Plymouth District Council, Fonterra Whareroa and Eltham and with rugby league, rugby and soccer clubs as well as with regional netball codes. The presentation illustrates how the model has been tailored to be effectively implemented in these diverse settings. Success achieved to date includes the establishment of a group of trained ‘champions’ within the two workplaces and the visible promotion of family violence prevention messages within the sports clubs.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Family violence affects people from all walks of life and has an impact in the workplace and the wider community. Taranaki Safe Families is developing a supportive partnership approach by engaging with the wider community to enable the issue to be addressed from within workplaces and other organisations such as sports clubs.
HAVE DECLINES IN ALCOHOL INVOLVEMENT FOR TRAFFIC INJURIES ALSO OCCURRED WITH OTHER INJURIES AND WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW REGARDING ALCOHOL AND INJURY HOSPITALISATIONS?
Authors: Smith GS , Dischinger P , Tang Y
Published: October 2012

Background

Drunk-driving fatalities declined significantly over the past 25 years; however, many more victims survive their injuries, and it is largely unknown if similar declines in alcohol involvement have occurred among surviving trauma patients, especially for non-motor-vehicle (MV) injuries.

Objectives

To evaluate trends in alcohol involvement for admissions to a trauma centre from 1988 and develop estimates of alcohol involvement in serious non-fatal trauma.

Methods

A toxicology system spanning 25 years was analysed to determine alcohol involvement among injured patients admitted to the busiest US trauma centre. We evaluated trends in alcohol involvement for MV, falls and other injuries.

Results

Alcohol testing rates exceeded 90% annually. The % of male MV cases with BAC≥0.08 declined from 34.7% in 1988 to 21.3% in 1997, plateaued till 2000 and has slowly risen to peak in 2007(26.3%). Falls showed a similar decline from 22.6% in 1888 to 15.9% in 2002 but have since increased. Male firearm injuries showed a similar decline initially from a high of 32.8% to 14.2% in 1999 but have since increased to 19.9% in 2008. The trends for women have been much less consistent although those with a BAC≥0.08 has increased in recent years for MVs but not for other injuries. Patients age 21–34 had highest alcohol involvement with largest trends over time.

Significance

Complete testing of patients admitted to trauma centres is essential to inform and evaluate sound policies on alcohol. Our high testing rates have enabled us to uncover previously unrecognised trends in alcohol involvement in non-vehicular injuries.
A CASE STUDY: ACTIVE LEARNING FROM A PROGRAMME TO REDUCE INJURY WHERE ALCOHOL IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR
Authors: Harper K
Published: October 2012

New Zealand recognises it has a drinking culture that affects the quality of life for both drinkers and non-drinkers. This affect is most often associated with health and social impacts. However, it is estimated that 22% of Accident Compensation claims, under the ACC scheme, are alcohol related and cost $650 million per year.

This indifference toward injury is due, in part at least, to public attitude towards alcohol and the policies that affect this. As a result, preventing alcohol-related injury is dependent on understanding the complex interplay between individual, community and societal factors.

The goal of the ACC alcohol-related injury programme is to reduce the cost of injury where alcohol is a contributing factor. This requires a broad approach, combining public health and injury prevention practices. As such, there is a need to balance short and medium term efforts to reduce the risk of alcohol contributing to injury and long-term objectives to prevent alcohol as a cause of poor health.

The programme strategy aims to synchronise education, engineering and enforcement based intervention with audience contemplation, determination and action. Through this approach the programme forecasts a return on investment for injury prevention and longer-term impact on alcohol-related health and social issues.

This case study reports active learning from the programme design and development and applies these to ongoing interventions.
TRACTOR RELATED FATALITIES FOLLOWING MANDATORY ROLLOVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE RETROFITTING IN VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Jones CB , Day L , Staines C
Published: October 2012

Background

Tractors are associated with more fatalities than any other piece of machinery in agriculture, with rollovers historically being a frequent mechanism. The state of Victoria introduced mandatory retrofitting of rollover protection structures (ROPS) in 1998.

Aims

examine the impact of mandatory ROPS retrofitting on tractors determine patterns and trends of fatal tractor related incidents

Methods

Retrospective population cohort. Farm work-related fatalities among workers 15 years and over between 1985 and 2010 selected from the Victorian Workcover Authority database. Tractor related fatalities identified and coded according to type. Fatality rates with working hours of adult persons employed in agriculture, provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as the denominator. Poisson regression modelling was used to examine trends in fatality rates.

Results

121 tractor fatalities occurred, of which 55 were rollovers. A significant decline in rollover fatalities of approximately 7% per annum (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.93, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.97) was observed, however there was no simple relationship between the introduction of the legislation and the fatality decrease. An increased trend in run over fatalities was found (IRR=1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09).

Significance

Previous voluntary retrofitting initiatives, coupled with the existing requirement for ROPS on new tractors, may have increased ROPS fitment to a critical point prior to the mandatory retrofitting, diluting the effect over a number of years. While tractor rollover fatalities are now rare events, tractor run over fatalities have increased, suggesting the need for focused prevention programmes.
STRATEGIES FOR INJURY PREVENTION IN SWEDISH AGRICULTURE
Authors: Lundqvist P , Svennefelt C Alwall
Published: October 2012

Background

Fatal and non-fatal injuries in agriculture are at a very high level compared with other industries in Sweden.

Aims

In order to change this negative situation for the agricultural industry, a number of measures have been initiated. The strategy involves factors, such as: 1) Increased collaboration between involved stakeholders of health and safety in agriculture, 2) A national program on injury prevention and 3) Coordination of actions

Methods

The coordination is done through the Swedish Committee on Working Environment in Agriculture. It is a network working for a good, healthy and safe working environment in Swedish agriculture.

Results

Examples of activities & partners which are included in this strategy

• The Swedish Work Environment Authority has a project with inspections on farms with the aim to reduce the number of injuries.

• The Federation of Swedish Farmers with the support of Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences are running a national program “Safe Farmers Common Sense”.

• The Federation of Swedish Forestry and Agricultural Employers, has a project with farm safety extension service to their members. The service is provided by safety engineers make on-farm visits in order to help the farmers to cope with safety issues.

• The Farm Workers Union, have regional safety representatives which gives advice on injury prevention for their members as well as employers on farms to reduce the number of injuries.

Our evaluations indicate promising results with positive changes of attitudes and more actions on the farms to prevent injuries.
RESULTS OF SAFE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN VIETNAM IN THE PERIOD 2002–2011
Authors: Luong MA , Khieu TQT , Tran TNL
Published: October 2012

Background

Safe community model has been long considered as an appropriate method to minimise mortality related injury. The model has been implemented in Viet Nam since 2002.

Objective and Method

To evaluate the achievements of safe community development in Viet Nam in the stage 2002–2010 using desk review and interviewing staff working in injury prevention at provincial level.

Results

Safe community development is based on establishment of safety at school, workplace and public place and intergrated into social and cultural programmes. Many legislation documents on safe community development have been developed and ratified to different levels. In safe communities, the mortality rate has decreased nearly 50% from 37/100 000 population in 2001 to 19/100 000 population in 2010. Also, the number of deaths in children has dropped from 6 to 3 per year. Since 2007, annually, the number of communes registered the safe community development has increased up to 30%. So far, there were 58 Vietnamese safe communities in 14 provinces. Of which, 10 communes were designated as member of the International safe community network.

Significance

The duplicate of the safe community development is a big challenge in terms of quality, surveillance and implementation. However, in order to contribute to the reduction of mortality related injury, enhancement and expansion of the model is still a priority needed attention and investment.
THE QUICKSCREEN TOOL—A VALIDATED FALLS RISK ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED IN AUSTRALIA FOR USE IN PRIMARY CARE
Authors: Tiedemann A , Lord S , Sherrington C
Published: October 2012

Background

Falling in older age presents a major challenge to health systems and older people. This abstract forms part of the symposium: ‘Integrating Older Adult Falls Prevention into Clinical Practice—Experiences from Four Countries’, which also includes presentations by Judy Stevens, Clare Robertson and Vicky Scott.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We will outline the development of the QuickScreen risk assessment, including the validation, reliability and feasibility studies and implementation into practice.

Methods

The development study involved 764 older community-living people. 362 people participated in the external validation and 30 in the reliability study. The QuickScreen was trialled by 32 clinicians with their patients.

Results/Outcome

20% of development study participants experienced multiple falls (≥2) during the 1-year follow-up. Each of the assessment items; low-contrast visual acuity, tactile sensitivity, sit to stand test, alternate step test, near tandem stand test, previous falls and medications, discriminated between multiple fallers and non-multiple fallers (relative risk values: 1.4–2.4). 22% of external validation study participants suffered multiple falls during the prospective follow-up and the QuickScreen discriminated between falls groups with an area under the ROC curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.79). The QuickScreen items exhibited moderate to excellent test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients range: 0.54–0.89). 72% of the clinicians found that the assessment took less than 10 min to administer, making it feasible for use in a normal consultation time.

Significance/Contribution

The QuickScreen can identify high-risk fallers and help to guide fall-prevention interventions. It has been implemented in Australia and internationally by a range of health professionals.
DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING, AND EVALUATING TRAUMA CARE SYSTEMS: EXPERIENCES FROM LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Hyder A , Joshipura M , Raczak J , Herbert H , Stevens K
Published: October 2012

This workshop will focus on trauma care system s in low- and middle-income countries and demonstrate that established interventions can make a significant impact on injury prevention and public health. Fundamental elements in strengthening the care of the injured patient will be highlighted, including defining the epidemiology of trauma care injuries, implementing evidence-based trauma care interventions, and assessing the overall impact of these interventions.

Enhancing trauma care systems can be achieved through three key functions: 1)Describing trauma systems profiles: Comprehensive baseline needs assessments of formal and informal trauma care systems must be described through an interdisciplinary review of m ultiple data sources; 2)Implementing targeted evidence-based interventions: Building on the baseline description of current trauma systems, interventions can be developed and implemented to meet the needs of national and local systems; and 3)Evaluating impact: Interventions can be assessed in term s of the overall change in health, economic, and social outcomes.

Through this workshop, we will provide an overview of this approach and four case studies that used these functions as tools to describe trauma care systems in low- and middle-income countries. The strengths of these tools lie in 1) the development of acore set of methodsto describe both prehospital and hospital based trauma care systems; 2) the ability to approach trauma care systems development in anevidence-based, scientifically valid, yet practical manner; and 3) the application ofsystematic monitoring and evaluationmethods.
BURDEN OF INJURY IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Zhang Z , Tobias M
Published: October 2012

Background

The disability-adjusted life year (DALY) that combines years of life lost from injury mortality (YLL) and year-equivalents of healthy life lost from non-fatal injury (YLD) has being increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for priority setting in injury management.

Aim/Objectives/Purpose

To assess the total burden of injury in New Zealand in 2006 (projected to 2016) in DALYs and to analyse the distribution of this burden by both the external cause of injury (E-code) and the nature of injury (N-code).

Methods

Total burden of injury was estimated from the national mortality, hospital discharge and ACC claims datasets. Both short-term and long-term impacts of injury are assessed in 36 N-code categories and 10 E-code categories.

Results/Outcomes

75% of total injury DALYs are associated with fatal injury, 25% with non-fatal injury (3% from short-term effects and 22% from long-term effects). By E-code, the leading causes of the DALYs are transportation accident, self-inflicted injury, falls and mechanical force. By N-code, the leading causes of the DALYs are TBI, fractures, internal injury and toxic effects. The highest age-specific DALY rates are found in the age groups of 15–29 and 65+. Compared with non-Maori, Maori have higher age-standardised DALY rates for transportation accidents, self-inflicted injury, violence, TBI, internal injury and maxillofacial fracture. Compared with people living in least deprived areas, people living in the most deprived areas have higher age and ethnicity standardised DALY rates of violence, mechanical force-related injury, TBI and burns.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

There are clear patterns of injury burdens among main injury categories. These patterns need to be considered for setting priorities for injury management.
QUANTIFYING THE USE OF SEATBELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS IN THREE MEXICAN CITIES
Authors: Pérez-Núñez R. , Chandran A , Híjar M , Celis A , Carmona-Lozano MS , Lunnen JC , Hyder AA
Published: October 2012

Background

Seatbelts and child restraints can effectively reduce deaths resulting from road traffic crashes, and are one of the risk factors being targeted by the Mexican RS-10 project. This study quantifies restraint use in two intervention sites (Guadalajara-Zapopan and León) and one comparison site (Cuernavaca) in the initial 2 years of RS-10.

Objective

To quantify the prevalence of seatbelt and child restraint use in three Mexican cities in the context of ongoing road safety intervention programs.

Methods

Three rounds of roadside observations were conducted from November 2010 to January 2012. Two rounds of hospital surveys were administered to all road traffic injury (RTI) victims presenting at a tertiary hospital in each city.

Results

The overall prevalence of seatbelt use was 45.0% in all three cities (95% CI= 44.3-45.7) in passengers aged ≥10; Cuernavaca showed the highest prevalence (52.9; 95% CI= 51.5-54.4) followed by Guadalajara-Zapopan (43.5%; 95% CI= 42.4-44.5) and León (40.0%; 95% CI= 38.6-41.4). Child restraint use in children <10 was 17.4% (95% CI= 13.5-22.0) in Guadalajara-Zapopan, 10.6% (95% CI= 6.7-15.8) in León, and 7.9% (95% CI= 3.7-14.5) in Cuernavaca. Women, drivers, those aged ≥10, those traveling by taxi and those in a car with running headlights had higher restraint use prevalences. Hospital surveys revealed RTI victims had lower seatbelt use than the general population (31% vs 42%, p = 0.037).

Significance

Child restraint and seatbelt use is low in these Mexican cities. This study shows an opportunity for further intervention and enhanced enforcement to encourage greater use of these highly efficacious devices.
ELECTRONIC RECORDING OF TRAFFIC INCIDENTS
Authors: Ahn J , Leamy R , Liu Y , Manoharan S , Stables M , Zheng S
Published: October 2012

Background

Traffic crash reports (TCRs) are the forms completed by police officers at the scene of road crashes. They record the details of when, how and why the crash happened. The reports are used, among other things, to mitigate accidents of similar nature and to build a safer travel environment.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

TCRs in New Zealand are paper forms. Manual entries on paper forms have several drawbacks including entry errors and illegibility. To analyse the data collected through paper forms, the data need to be re-entered into an electronic format. Data consistency checks are not possible in manual data entry: for instance, a single response to a single response question cannot be enforced. This paper presents a framework for a mobile application that aims to replace the paper form.

Methods

The paper develops a mobile framework with the following key aspects: there is no need for dual data entry; consistency checks are enforced; some of the information is auto-filled (eg, time and location); some data are auto-captured (eg, driver information from the bar-code of the driving license); some media can be attached (eg, photos, sketches, and audio).The data so collected is transferred easily to the processing centre. This transfer is in a manner that lends itself to easy processing.

Results/Outcomes

There are two distinct user-interface styles: a form-based one that translates the current paper form to a comparable electronic format; and the second 1 is incident-focused. The incident-focused style is radically different but is more intuitive and offers a better user experience. With both styles, collected data is persisted as XML conforming to a standardised schema.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The proposed framework (a) eases the completion of the report (eg, auto-filling and auto-capture features) and (b) eases the end-analysis of the collected data. The usability of the user-interface is deemed high.
IDENTIFICATION OF CRASH AND FALL RISKS DURING THE CYCLING MOUNT AND DISMOUNT ACTIONS IN TRIATHLON COMPETITIONS: A VIDEO ANALYSIS
Authors: Gosling C , Forbes A , Gabbe B
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury risk factors have rarely been explored in the context of triathlon competition. The mount/dismount of a bicycle are complex skills, often conducted in crowded race environments. To date no study has reviewed potential factors that contribute to crashing/falling during the performance of these skills.

Aim

To identify contributing or protective factors for crashes/falls during the cycle mount and dismount during triathlon competition.

Methods

All crashes/falls were identified from available mount and dismount video recordings for the 2010–2011 Super Sprint triathlon competition series. A case-control design was employed where each crash/fall event was matched by gender and race type to 10 control subjects. Rate ratios or ORs were calculated to identify fixed variables or skills which may contribute to a crash/fall. Data are presented as ratios with 95% CI.

Results

66 and 46 crash/fall incidents occurred for mounting and dismounting respectively. Crash/fall rates during dismount were 2.3 (1.1, 5.0) times higher for race site four. There were no other differences for mount/dismount between gender, race type, category or sites. A moving jump mount (OR 3.9; 2.1 to 7.2) onto clipped-in cycling shoes (OR 5.0; 2.5 to 10.2) were indicative of crash/fall while mounting. During the dismount, a front leg swing (OR 3.3; 1.2 to 9.2) and moving dismounts while wearing cycling shoes clipped out from the pedals (OR 6.0; 2.8 to 13.0) were contributors to a fall/crash.

Significance

Risk taking behaviours to limit time loss during competition contribute to crash/falls during cycle mounting, while inexperience and lower skill level tend to contribute to a crash during dismounting in triathlon.
PLANNING FOR IMPLEMENTATION: USE OF INTERVENTION MAPPING (STEP 5) IN TWO SPORTS SAFETY INTERVENTION CASE STUDIES
Authors: Gabbe B , Donaldson A , Poulos R , Lloyd D , Cook J , Finch CF
Published: October 2012

Background

A planned approach towards translating injury prevention research evidence and policy into sustained safety practice and behaviour changes is an often neglected component of the evidence to practice translation process.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This presentation will describe how evidence and theory-informed, context-specific implementation plans were developed for two sports injury prevention interventions aimed at community sport in Australia.

Methods

The seven tasks of Step 5 of the Intervention Mapping Protocol were used to develop implementation plans for both the Mayday neck and spinal injury prevention policy in rugby union and the FootyFirst exercise training programme to prevent leg injuries in Australian football.

Results/Outcomes

Although changes in sports participant behaviour were the desired end-goal of both interventions, it was recognised that sports coaches would be the primary programme adopters. Therefore, coach-delivered training to players was the important outcome. To encourage coach implementation of the Mayday safety procedure the key focus was on referee enforcement of a new local rugby by-law, supported by content changes to current mandatory coach education, and education resource production and dissemination. For FootyFirst, the key implementation strategies were the endorsement of the programme by opinion leaders, allocation of mentors to support community coaches to implement the programme, and the development of user-friendly implementation resources.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

These two case studies demonstrate a systematic approach for planning the implementation of injury prevention interventions that can lead to the development of context-specific, evidence and theory-informed implementation plans.
REMOVING MAN-MADE JUMPS FROM SNOW-PARKS REDUCES THE RISK OF SEVERE SKI-PATROL REPORTED INJURIES SUSTAINED BY SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS
Authors: Goulet C , Tremblay B , Hamel D , Hagel B
Published: October 2012

Background

Evidence indicates that snow-park (SP) injuries are more severe than injuries on regular slopes. This prompted two major ski areas in the province of Québec, Canada, to remove all man-made jumps from their SPs before the 2007–2008 season.

Objective

To determine if removing jumps from SPs reduced the prevalence of severe injuries for skiers and snowboarders.

Methods

Subjects were skiers and snowboarders who reported to the ski patrol with a SP injury at two ski areas before (seasons 2000–2001 to 2006–2007) and after (seasons 2007–2008 to 2009–2010) SP jumps were removed, and for all the ski areas with no SP jump removal. Severe injuries were defined based on type of injury or ambulance evacuation. We compared the proportion of severe injuries before and after SP jump removal with trends at the other areas. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust the pre- and post change comparison for age, sex, skill level, helmet use, and type of activity.

Results

At the two hills that removed jumps, the proportion of severe injuries was 19.3% (600 severe SP injuries/3109 all SP injuries) before and 14.5% (63/434) after the change compared with 23.7% (2679/11 324) and 22.1% (921/4173) at other hills. After covariate adjustment, the odds of severe injuries declined at the two areas that removed jumps (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.72; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.97) with no change at other Québec ski areas (AOR 0.98; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.08).

Significance

Results suggest that removing man-made jumps from SPs prevents severe injuries.
THE BURDEN OF ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES IN GUYANA: TIME TO PRIORITISE ROAD SAFETY INVESTMENTS
Authors: Lunnen JC , Latif A , Rodrigues EMS , Hyder AA
Published: October 2012

Background

Guyana, like other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is rapidly motorising with limited systemic support for road safety initiatives. Understanding the epidemiology of road traffic injuries (RTIs) is an important first step in prioritising investments.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To quantify the burden of RTIs in Guyana and inform priority action areas for prevention efforts at the national level.

Methods

A review of PubMed, grey literature, and internet search engines was performed. Ministry of Health (MoH) data for select years were accessed electronically, and police data from 2000–2010 were obtained during a site visit. A stakeholder analysis was conducted following meetings with representatives from key ministries and civil society.

Results/Outcomes

MoH data indicates RTIs are a leading cause of death among persons aged 5–64 years. According to police data, there were 115 road traffic (RT) deaths, or 14.8 RT deaths per 100 000 population in 2010; this rate has been stable for the past 3 years, but represents a decrease from 22.8 earlier in the decade. For the period 2000–2010 pedestrians accounted for the largest proportion of RT deaths, followed by motorcycle users and bicyclists. While conscientious, the lead agency is understaffed and underfunded.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

RTIs are a major concern in Guyana. We offer the following priority areas for consideration in Guyana: improving data systems; capacity building for road safety; investing in the Emergency Medical Systems; improving infrastructure; fostering greater inter-sectoral collaboration; and increasing funding for injury prevention programmes. These areas might hold relevance to other LMICs in the region.
DEVELOPMENT OF ASSESSMENT TOOLS ON SAFE SETTINGS FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT INJURY PREVENTION
Authors: Basilio J , Orbillo L
Published: October 2012

Background

Injuries are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among children. Thus, the National Policy and Strategic Framework on Child Injury Prevention was developed and injury prevention was included as one of the essential interventions in the Philippine Child Survival Strategy. For a more focused approach, the settings-based interventions were adopted. These include places where children live, learn, play and work—the home, the school and the community.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The Checklists serve as entry point to establish a safe home, safe school and safe community. It can also be used as an advocacy tool for implementation of the child injury strategic interventions.

Methods

A meeting of various stakeholders was conducted for the conceptualisation and planning for child injury prevention, followed by a workshop to develop the safety assessment tools.

Results/Outcome

The safe settings assessment tools for home, school and community were developed and field tested. Orientation on the use of the tools was conducted. Observations done in the three settings revealed various unsafe practices and structures which were presented to the local government for action.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The tool proved to be a good advocacy tool for action on safety measures in the community. Nationwide adoption of the tools is expected to bring down mortality and morbidity due to injuries.
THE VENOM PATROL—AN ONLINE RESOURCE FOR IMPROVING HEALTH LITERACY AND FOR SNAKEBITE PREVENTION
Authors: Winkel K , Godinho S , Lowe R , Molyneux P , Taylor P , Wesley N , Stone M , Woolley M
Published: October 2012

Background

Science, health and general literacy are essential to fully address the determinants of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) such as snakebite. However, such literacy standards are either not improving or falling in many countries. At the same time access to computers, the internet and smart phone technology has never been greater. Accordingly, we have developed a trans disciplinary collaboration to harness the power of ICT to further NTD prevention, and improve general literacy.

Method

We have collaborated to create a venom-themed set of on-line teaching resources that is integrated with contemporary national educational pedagogy.

Results

The Venom Patrol (http://www.venompatrol.org) consists of a website (‘venompatrol.info’) with more than 100 graphic-rich, interlinked pages with attached, high quality, documentary style video files and flash animations, together with photographs, downloadable pdfs, word documents and assessment profiles. It is a suite of teaching resources for use in primary and secondary schools and is complemented by a social networking and video conferencing site. The resource is focused around four habitats (arid desert, rainforest, suburban park and tropical coast) and was funded by the Australian Government for distribution to every Australian school.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive venom-themed resource to have been produced for Australian Schools. It harnesses the potential of e-learning to stimulate student interest in science and health education and contributes this up-to-date knowledge to their families and communities. This may provide a template for other countries to develop NTD-related school and community knowledge transfer.
A MODEL FOR EVALUATION OF SAFE COMMUNITIES IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Mohammadi R , Zangi M , Sadeghi-bazargani H , Hashemi S
Published: October 2012

Background

From all Safe Communities (SCs) indicators, evaluation is a neglected indicator especially in designated SCs in low and middle income (LMI) countries.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Sets out to introduce a comprehensive model to carry out SC evaluation in LMI countries.

Methods

Guidelines for safe community application as well as designated safe community reports were reviewed. Besides, Pubmed and Embase were searched to find scientific articles of injury prevention evaluation.

Results/Outcomes

Three main approaches of SC evaluation can be summarised as follows: Firstly, process evaluation, in which, focus group discussion among reference groups of SC (work teams) is recommended. Secondly, impact evaluation, in which, quasi experimental study with emphasis on impact of interventions is most appropriate method to be conducted at designation and re-designation step between SC and control community. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study, observational and survey are suggested for three main intervention; education, environmental change, enforcement of law respectively. The last but not the least, outcome evaluation, in which, quasi experimental study will be carried out.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Growing number of SC especially in LMI countries has given rise to the necessity of a comprehensive approach for SC evaluation in terms of process, impact and outcome. As an implication of this study a feasible evaluation model for Tehran safe community, as a model of safe communities in LMI countries, is designed and will be carried out after the implementation of the whole programme in the city. This evaluation plan and its results will be a strong tool for re-designation application after 5 years.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND INTERAGENCY COORDINATION TO PREVENT FAMILY VIOLENCE
Authors: Wood R
Published: October 2012

Background

The New Zealand Government remains firmly committed to eliminating all forms of family violence. It is everybody's responsibility to make the difference so that our homes are always places of safety.

Aim

New Zealand's Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families (the Taskforce) brings together government and non-government sectors, independent Crown entities and the judiciary to work together and provide leadership to end family violence and promote stable, healthy families.

Methods

The Taskforce was established in June 2005 to lead and coordinate interagency action to prevent family violence. The unique role of the Taskforce is to inspire a vision, to facilitate action, and to focus on doing those things that can only be achieved with all agencies and sectors linking effectively together. The Taskforce mobilises many agencies, government and non-government, to act collectively to eliminate family violence.

Results

Over the past 7 years the Taskforce has overseen the development and implementation of an extensive range of initiatives. This work has provided a solid foundation from which to move forward. This paper will outline key achievements to date and future focus of the Taskforce.

Significance

New Zealand is in a unique position—we are a small country with a solid legislative framework and well-developed range of government and non-government service providers. We are ideally placed to become a world leader in identifying and implementing continuous improvements and innovations to create sustainable change in addressing family violence.
FALL RELATED INJURIES: A RETROSPECTIVE MEDICAL REVIEW STUDY IN NORTH INDIA
Authors: Jagnoor J , Keay L , Ganguli A , Dandona R , Thakur JS , Boufous S , Cumming RG , Ivers RQ
Published: October 2012

Background

Falls have been identified as a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in India. However, very little is known about the context and characteristics of such falls.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the context and characteristics of fall related injuries in patients admitted to hospital for fall injury.

Methods

Medical records of patients presenting at the Emergency Department of the Nehru Hospital, Chandigarh, India between March 2008 and February 2009, were reviewed by trained investigators. All injury cases were identified and fall related injury cases were assigned an ICD 10, Chapter XX, External causes of morbidity and mortality code.

Results/Outcomes

10% (7049) of hospital emergency presentations were due to injuries. Falls were the second leading cause (20%, 1407); 76% of fall related presentations were in males. A high proportion (36%) of the fall related presentations occurred in those aged 0–14 years old. Falls from building or structures (35%, 499) were the leading cause for all ages except for those older than 60 years, where same level falls due to slipping, tripping and stumbling (40%, 57) were predominant. Half of all the falls resulted in head injury. Nearly 10% of patients presenting for fall related injury died.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Fall related injuries are an important contributor to hospital emergency presentations. Given the high proportion of falls that resulted in head injury and death, there is a significant need to develop appropriate interventions to prevent such falls.
DROWNING RISK ASSESSMENT AND COMMUNICATION USING SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Andronaco R , Matthews B , Arrowsmith C
Published: October 2012

Background

Spatial analysis is a widely accepted injury prevention and safety promotion tool. Dr John Snow's causes of Cholera map in London 1854, being the most notable historical example. Contemporary spatial analysis tools e.g. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly advanced and being applied in many expert domains. Limited research or applicative examples exist regarding analysis of geographic variance in drowning incidents.

Objective

The objective of this study is to provide an overview of widely accepted spatial analysis tools in order to turn raw drowning event data, into decision making information and communicate geographically varying levels of risk.

Methods

From the National Coroners Information System (NCIS), 391 drowning deaths within Victoria, Australia were identified and spatially represented. Closed cases from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2011 were used. A selection of spatial analysis tools (i.e. Hot Spot Analysis) were selected and executed across different administrative extents (i.e. Local Government Area - LGA), using different parameter and variable inputs (i.e. Census data inputs) to illustrate the different spatial analysis approaches, representations and assessment outputs.

Results

Spatial analysis identified drowning 'Hot Spots' within Victorian LGAs based on z-scores greater than 1.65 Standard Deviations (signified on attached maps by orange and red colors) for usual place of residence and place of occurrence.

Significance

Spatial analysis of geographically varying drowning incidents permits:

1) Summarization of drowning incidents for varying geographic extents and timeframes,

2) Identification of significant spatial clusters and outliers,

3) Assessment of overall patterns and dispersion, and;

4) Modeling spatial and temporal relationships to better apply injury prevention and safety promotion strategies.
BINGEING ON THE BEACH: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG BEACHGOERS
Authors: Watt K , Applegarth K , Fischer J , Franklin R , Najman J
Published: October 2012

Background

Alcohol is a known risk factor for drowning and near drowning events in young people. However, very little is known about the alcohol consumption patterns of beachgoers in relation to their beach attendance. Reducing alcohol-related drowning, particularly among 16–35-year-old males, is a priority in both the National Alcohol Strategy 2006–2009 and the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2008–2011.

Aims

The purpose of the research was to investigate acute and usual alcohol consumption in young (16–24 years olds) beach goers, in the context of knowledge and attitudes regarding alcohol and water safety.

Method

Data were collected via face to face interview from 18–24 years old beachgoers at three beaches in South East Queensland over three consecutive weekends (Thurs–Sunday) between 5 am and 7 pm. QLD residents and tourists were recruited. Alcohol consumption was measured via: (1) breathalyser; (2) self-reported alcohol use in 6 and 24 h prior to beach attendance; (3) usual alcohol consumption patterns prior to beach attendance. Participants were also asked about water-safety knowledge and attitudes, and frequency of beach attendance.

Results

Of the 426 participants, a positive BAL (breath alcohol level) was recorded for 7.3% (n=31); 10% (n=43) reported drinking in the 6 h prior to the interview, and 48% in the 24 h prior. Two-thirds of those with a positive BAL demonstrated a BAL>05 (n=20), and 45% had a BAL>1. Of those with a positive BAL or who self-reported drinking in the last 6 h, 69.7% (n=23) reported drinking alcohol within 2 h of swimming at the beach in the last 12 months; this was true for one quarter of the total sample (n=101; 26%). Additional analyses regarding acute and usual alcohol consumption in relation to beach attendance, water-safety attitudes and knowledge were completed.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This is novel research which will be crucial in developing interventions aimed at reducing drowning and near drowning episodes among young beachgoers.
INNOVATIONS IN CHILD INJURY PREVENTION: EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS FIRE SAFETY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND PLAYGROUND SAFETY FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Authors: Morrongiello B
Published: October 2012

Background

Unintentional injury is a leading cause of child mortality, and many of these are preventable events. Innovative approaches that change safety attitudes and/or behaviours are recognised as an important aspect of comprehensive injury prevention programming, especially because some injuries cannot be addressed by implementing modifications to the environment and/or product design.

Purpose

To discuss behavioural research evaluating two child injury prevention strategies that have proven successful: (1) an innovative computer game (The Great Escape) that does not require reading skills and aims to improve young children's (2–5 years) fire safety knowledge and behaviours, and (2) theCool 2 Be SafeProgram, which incorporates four strategies that have been shown to reduce children's risky playground behaviours, into one evidence-based programme that aims to reduce fall-risk behaviours on playgrounds among school-age children (6–12 years)andcan successfully be delivered by laypersons in community organisations (eg, schools, daycares) using the training materials provided.

Methods

Two studies will be presented, each using experimental pre–post designs with control groups. Measures assess child knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours.

Results

Both interventions produced significant results, including: (1) increases in young child fire safety knowledge (p<0.05) and behaviours (p<0.05) and (2) positive changes in school-age children's attitudes and risky playground behaviours (p<0.05).

Significance

Developing innovative approaches to attitude/behaviour change that are based on rigorous scientific evaluation is essential to advancing the field of child injury prevention. These two programmes are unique, address important injury issues, and hold promise for reducing the burden of some types of childhood injuries.