bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic distribution of risk of death due to homicide in Puerto Rico, 2000–2007
Authors: Zavala D , Orengo J R , Charneco M L
Published: March 2011

All homicide incidents of Puerto Ricos residents reported by the Institute of Forensic Sciences (IFS) for the period 2000–2007 were included for analysis (6409 deaths). Information for each case include age, sex, municipality, date of death and mechanism. Ballistic forensic data was not available for analysis.

Detailed tabulations of crude, sex and age-specific mortalities for Puerto Rico overall and for each municipality per year and for the 8-year period were calculated. Cumulative rate and cumulative risks were estimated up to 74 years of age (lifetime risk). This statistic procedure assumes a Poisson distribution model of homicide incidents. The relative distribution of cumulative rates for each municipality was categorised into quartiles with the top quartile reported as highest risk of homicide death.

Overall, the risk of homicide death in males is 13 times greater than among females. The high homicide rates seen among the young adult population is consistent throughout the 8-year period. The highest rates are observed among males 20–24 years of age (134.5 homicides × 100 000).

The use of firearms is the most common method for committing homicides in Puerto Rico. At any given year, the proportion of homicides using firearms is at least 80%. Light weapons are used in most, if not all homicides related to illicit drug trafficking (eg, AK-47 assault rifles) which is the principal context in which homicides occur in Puerto Rico. There was no suggestion of seasonality of homicide rates by month.
The burden of falls on same level among the elderly in So Paulo State
Authors: Gawryszewski V P
Published: March 2011

Objective

To analyse the characteristics of fall related injuries among residents 60 years and above in Sao Paulo State, Brazil in 2007.

Methods

A total of 1328 deaths registered on the Information Mortality System, 20 726 hospital admissions from the Hospitalisation Information System and 359 visits Emergency Departments (EDs) visits due to falls were analysed.

Results

Most fatal victims were male (51.2%) while females were predominant among hospital admissions (61.1%) and EDs visits (60.4%). The mortality was 31.0/100 000, reaching 110.7/100 000 among people 80 years and above. Falls on same level were responsible for 35.0% of deaths, 47.5% of hospital admissions, 47.5% and 66% of ED%, increasing with the increase of the age groups. Among ED cases, residences were the place of occurrence for 65.8%. The most common cause of fatal falls was head trauma and femur fractures for non-fatal. Among victims treated in ED, women were 1.55 times significantly more likely to be treated due to a fall than other external causes. Comparatively to people aged 60–69 years, people 70–79 years, and 80-year-old and above were 2.10 and 2.26 times, respectively more likely to be a fall victim than other external causes. There was no statistically significant difference among falls on same level and other types of fall for sex and age group.

Conclusions

It is urgent to implement fall prevention programmes for the elderly.
Ethnic differences in intimate partner violence between Mestizo and indigenous women in Ecuador
Authors: Roldos M I
Published: March 2011

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive socially learnt behaviour affecting close to one third of all women in Ecuador. Research done in other countries suggests that after controlling for socioeconomic circumstances and alcohol use, significant ethnic differences exist among minorities including higher crude rates of violence. This study analyzed a 2004 cross-sectional database on maternal and infant health (ENDEMAIN) that surveyed a stratified random sample of Ecuadorian Mestizo and Indigenous women between 15 and 49 years of age. Using a chi-square and a proportion t-test, we tested for significant ethnic differences in their self-report experience of IPV in the last 12 months and help-seeking behaviour. Results suggest no significant difference in the prevalence of IPV between Indigenous and Mestizo, even after controlling for income. However, for the 2% of women reporting seeking help after an episode of violence, her family was the most frequent place to seek help and the Women and Family Commissaries was the second one (p>.005). These findings suggest that IPV is a significant public health problem for all Ecuadorian women regardless of ethnicity. In addition, understanding ethnic differences of how and where women seek help will allow a more efficient allocation of resources to treat and prevent IPV.
Results of operative stabilisation of long bone fractures at a tropical tertiary health institution: a 14-year review
Authors: Ifesanya A O , Ogunlade S O , Omololu A B , Alonge T O
Published: March 2011

Orthopaedic implant surgery is often regarded as risky in developing countries due to likely hardware infection and the perception that the technical know-how are unavailable. The outcome of operative fixation of fractures at our centre was evaluated to determine whether this should be an option in our environment or not. All open reduction and internal fixation of fractures done at our hospital between September 1995 and December 2008 were reviewed. Details of the fractures, indications for surgery, fixation technique and outcome measures were recorded. A total of 524 fractures in 456 patients out of 1003 long bone fractures operatively stabilised during the period. About 15% were open fractures while a quarter of fractures involved the femoral shaft. Mean age of patients was 34.0 years. Traffic injuries accounted for 64% of cases. Average follow up period was 11.1 months. Plate osteosynthesis was employed in 330 cases (63.0%). Associated injuries and infective wound complications prolonged hospital stay. Complication rate was 21.0%, joint stiffness in 7.8% and chronic osteomyelitis in 3.8%. Open fractures and multiple long bone fracture stabilisation were associated with increased risks of chronic osteomyelitis. Although plate osteosynthesis remains the mainstay of long bone fracture stabilisation at our centre due to the lack of instrumentation for closed nailing, our results are comparable to those from other parts of the world. Open reduction and internal fixation is a recommendable option in treatment of fractures and nonunions in the 3rd world if standard precautions are observed.
Assessment of injury related morbidity, mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Ahmed A M A , Hirshon J M , El-Ghazali S M S , Gadallah M A , ElHousinie M , Ahmed M A , El-Etreby L , El-Setouhy M
Published: March 2011

Background

Injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in lower and middle income countries such as Egypt. Specific aims: 1-Calculate the frequency of injuries requiring; hospitalisation, emergency department (ED) visits, or resulting in death in Cairo within a 12 month period. 2-Calculate the DALYs for each type of injury by age and sex.

Methodology

A retrospective epidemiological study based upon administratively collected Ministry of Health data among injured patients admitted to 11 major governmental hospitals in 2007, 11.6% of all governmental hospital beds. Data were then generalised to all governmental hospitals based upon the total number of beds. DALYs were calculated for all injuries. Collected data included: age, sex, time of injury, site of injury, nature of injury, cause of injury and outcome.

Results

In 2007, there were 483 965 ED visits for injuries in Cairo, 2.5% requiring hospitalisation. The estimated incidence rate of injuries was 6023.86 per 100 000 persons. Injuries rates were double in males than females. One third of injuries occurred in the age group 15–24 years. The largest injury category reported was falls (30.8%), followed by animal bites and collision with hard object (24.5%). The injury death rate was 34.8 per 100 000 persons, with RTCs being responsible for the highest rate followed by ‘other unintentional injuries’. Injuries were responsible for an estimated 61 671 DALYs in Cairo.

Conclusion

Injuries contribute to a substantial amount of morbidity and mortality among the general population in Cairo.
Database as an evidence based lessons learned from terror related injuries in Israeli Civilians
Authors: Peleg K
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Terror-related injuries have become a threat for populations all over the world. A lot of theories and papers were published as principles for MCI management. We decided to take some of these principles and see if they are evidence based on the data of the terror MCI's in Israel 1/2000–12/2005, National Trauma Registry.

Methods

Analysis of national trauma registry was published data from October 2000 to December 2005.

Results

1661 patients were recorded in the Israeli national trauma registry due to terror-related injury and 55 033 due to other trauma between 1 October, 2000 and 30 June, 2003. 55% between the ages of 15 and 29 years compared to 22% in this age group among the population injured by other (non terror) forms of trauma. (1) Arrival and hospitalisation patterns do severe injuries arrive first? (2) Triage: has triage change due to new mechanisms of penetrating injuries of shrapnel nails and bolts included in explosives? (3) Differences in resource consumption by terror casualties.

Conclusions

Some theories and papers were published as principles for MCI management are not match the evidence data based.
Reporting of suicide and homicidal violence in Sri Lankan newspapers
Authors: De Silva P , Jayasinghe S , De Silva D , Mathankumar S
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To determine the pattern of reporting of suicides and homicidal violence in national newspapers.

Methods

National newspapers in Sinhala, Tamil and English (daily and weekly issues) were studied over a period of 5 weeks. News reports relating to suicides and homicidal violence were identified and information gathered using a structured format.

Results

Thirteen national newspapers (6 Sinhala [S], 2 Tamil [T] and 5 English [E]) were selected. A total of 145 (111 weekly) individual newspapers (50S, 60T and 35E) were perused. The mean of number of reports per issue of daily newspapers was 0.68 while it was 0.18 for Sunday papers. There were 40 articles each of suicide and homicide. Analysis of the contents revealed the following: 7 (17.5%) of homicide were first page articles while 2 (5%) were suicide. The method of suicide and homicide was described in detail in 25 (31.25%) articles. None contained pictures. 18 (45%) homicide articles reported punishment to assailant. 4 (10%) suicide articles acknowledged psychiatric disorder. There were no reported alternate coping strategies or solutions. None indicated how distressed persons could obtain help.

Conclusion

Reporting of violence (self-directed such as suicide and homicide) are common in daily newspapers. There is a tendency to indicate mode of suicide and homicide. Alternate coping strategies are rarely mentioned and there is no indication where help could be obtained. Newspapers should be more sensitive to the implications these reports have on encouraging suicidal and homicidal behaviour.
Positive and negative aspects through adolescent workers perspective
Authors: Silveira C A , Robazzi M L do Carmo Cruz , Alves L A , de Paiva S M Alves , Oliveira R A
Published: March 2011

This study aimed to identify the repercussions of work in adolescents life in a city in the interior of Minas Gerais (Brazil), according to workers perspective. It is a quantitative and qualitative study, using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Subjects were 66 adolescents and results showed a family composition with an average of five people and family income from one to three minimum wages; 27 (40.91%) of them have field works and 39 (59.09%) work in administrative sectors of different institutions. Regarding time of work, 24 (36.36%) had worked from 7 to 12 months. Nine (13.64%) adolescents mentioned having Occupational Accidents and four (6.06%) have already been taken ill because of work. Financial independence, family help and personal and professional valuation were the categories attributed to the meaning of work. The positive repercussions were development of social and communicative abilities, personal, physical and intellectual development, independence and liberty, to occupy the spare time and improvement in living conditions. The negative repercussions included as follows: tiredness, preoccupation, loss of time spent with family and friends, occupational risks and lack of time for study and leisure. Three thematic categories emerged from the opinion of the families about the occupational condition: support, financial aspect and opportunity. It is concluded that the adolescent has a positive view of work, attributing different meanings to it, family also have this viewpoint, even recognising the interferences of work in adolescents life.
Using evidence to influence child health policies: a pilot program in Pakistan
Authors: Puvanachandra P , Chandran A , Sarfraz S , Akhtar T , Hyder A A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Reported annual rates of violence against Pakistani children are 1.57–3.18 per 100 000. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) can be powerful resources in treatment and advocacy for child violence. There are no training programs within Pakistan regarding using data for effective advocacy against child violence.

Methods

Employees of NGOs focused on child violence were invited to a training focused on utilising evidence for influencing policy. Training in data collection, monitoring/evaluation, accessing literature and cost-benefit analysis was given in collaboration by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA and Fatima Memorial System, Pakistan. Knowledge assessments were given before and after workshop participation, and a knowledge retention survey was given 4–8 weeks later.

Results

35 individuals were trained; two-thirds were female. Post-training tests showed that (compared with prior), 90% could name two components of the advocacy cycle (vs 30%), 75% could differentiate incidence and prevalence (vs 0%), 60% could identify two literature databases (vs 10%), 90% could identify advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research (vs 40%), and 65% could differentiate qualitative and quantitative research (vs 40%). The retention survey revealed that 50–65% recalled basic characteristics of surveillance, quantitative/qualitative research, and database access.

Discussion

NGO workers demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge following training on utilizing evidence. This project demonstrates tremendous capacity building needs in grassroots workers in the country. Further study is needed to evaluate whether this increased knowledge results in changes in practice for influencing child violence policy in Pakistan.
Preventing falls and related injuries among seniors in assisted living residences
Authors: Scott V , Bawa H , Feldman F , Gould J S , Leung M , Rajabali F
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to addresses a gap in the fall prevention literature with a focus on Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) – a new community housing option for a rapidly growing number of older persons that are at high risk falls. The result of the 1-year collaborative study was the development of Best Practice Guidelines for integration into routine care.

Methods

A 6-month prospective, action research intervention was conducted at two ALR sites, with 161 residents. Measures included focus groups, pre/post staff and resident surveys, pre/post measures of balance and gait, and 6-month fall/injury surveillance. Interventions included staff and resident training on fall tracking, fall prevention education for staff and residents, and physical activity interventions.

Results

Over 6 months, 155 falls were recorded, with 38% (N=73) of residents identified as having at least one fall and 43% (N=72) of falls resulting in injury. There was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of falls per 1000 resident days between the first and second three-month periods (X2=11.98; p=0.001). Fall risk reduction was demonstrated by a significant difference (t=3.16, p=.002) in pre/post Timed-Up-and-Go scores. Focus group findings included the need to tailor prevention to joiners and non-joiners of group intervention activities.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that fall prevention guidelines can be implemented within routine service delivery in ALRs with a positive effect on fall risk reduction.
Psychiatric disorders (Axis I & II) and self-immolation: a case–control study from Iran
Authors: Ahmadi A , Mohammadi R , Schwebel D C , Yeganeh N , Hejazi-Bazargan S
Published: March 2011

Objective

In Iran, self-immolation is the third leading cause of years of life lost among women, after disasters and breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate pre-existing psychiatric disorders in self-immolation patients.

Methods

In a case–control study, 30 consecutive cases of deliberate self-inflicted burns admitted to the regional Burn centre (Imam Khomeini hospital in Kermanshah province, Iran) were compared with 30 controls who were selected from the community and matched by sex, age and living area.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) Axis I (clinical disorders) and Axis II (personality and mental retardation) diagnoses were assessed via detailed clinical interview.

Results

Descriptive data concerning Axis I disorders revealed that 67% of self-immolation patients had adjustment disorder (all of these patients were female), 10% drug and alcohol abuse/dependence (all of these patients were male), 7% dysthymia, 3% major depression, 3% anorexia nervosa and 3% primary insomnia. 75% of male self-immolation patients were diagnosed with drug and alcohol dependence or abuse. 77% of female self-immolation patients were diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Descriptive review of Axis II disorders revealed that 7% self-immolation patients had Borderline Personality Disorder (50% male), 7% Depressive Personality Disorder (100% female) and 3% Antisocial Personality Disorder. In bivariate comparisons, Adjustment disorders emerged as related to risk of self-immolation (OR 13.00, 95% CI 3.55 to 47.60). The comparisons of other clinical disorders were not statistically significant, although there was a strong trend for higher rates of mental illness among the self-immolation patients compared to the control group.

Conclusion

This study suggests that adjustment disorder is a risk factor for self-immolation, overall. More broadly, psychopathology presents an increased risk of self-immolation. In male patients, drug abuse/dependency, antisocial personality disorder and depressive personality disorder increased the risk of self-immolation. Among females, adjustment disorders and depressive disorders increased the risk. As a result, it has been suggested that increasing the education level about problem-solving approaches, and coping skills for females, and drug/behaviour therapy for males of at risk groups are appropriate prevention programs and strategies in Iranian communities.
Epidemiological survey of the road-related traffic injury in the pedestrian of school children in Shen Zhen
Authors: Li Z , Dong G
Published: March 2011

Objective

To find out the characteristic of road-related traffic injury to the pedestrian of school children in Shenzhen, and provide reference basis for controlling and preventing road traffic-related injury to juvenile.

Method

27 125 school students from 21 primary or middle school were investigated, layer analysis from whole population is used to draw sample.

Results

The ratio of road-related traffic injury to the pedestrian of school children in Shen Zhen in 2007 is 5.1%. The highest (7.3%) ratio of injury among students is riding to school. Pavement (29.4%) and uptown road (18.1%) are the major place to have accident. Arm and leg are the major parts of body suffering from the injury. In addition, characteristics of the injury is that flesh wound such as scratch and wrench are the major constituent of the injury, which occupy a percentage of 61.3% in the wounded students. Moreover, 15% of the injured students were found functional disability.

Conclusion

Primary and middle school students are the major casualties of road-related traffic injury in school children. The vehicles caused trouble are mainly composed of bicycles, but the extent of the injury caused by the mini-motor vehicle is more severe. Furthermore, perfecting the means of transportation and strengthening the executing of law is also needed to prevent the and decrease the traffic injury.
Urban versus rural firearm injury pyramids: using ecodes to compare the burden of injury
Authors: Wadman M C , Lander L , Kitamura B , Muelleman R L
Published: March 2011

Study Objective

To compare the incidence of fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries in urban and rural counties in Nebraska using ecodes, with graphic depiction in the form of injury pyramids.

Methods

County-specific firearm injury ecode frequencies for 2001 to 2005, were received directly from the state health department. Counties were categorised small metro, non-metro adjacent, rural/city > 10 000, and rural/city < 10 000, based on a previously described system. Incidence rates per 100 000 were calculated using estimates from U.S. census data. Injury pyramids were constructed using emergency department (ED) visit incidence(base), hospitalizations (midsection) and deaths (apex).

Results

For the study period, there were 1600 total firearm injuries, with 652 seen in an ED and discharged, 345 requiring hospital admission and 503 resulting in death. The smallest rural counties accounted for the highest incidence of unintentional injuries resulting in ED visits at 5.606 per 100 000. The urban counties reported the highest incidence of ED use, hospitalisations, and deaths resulting from assaults, at 3.793, 3.193 and 2.207, respectively. The highest incidence of suicide occurred in the rural counties, with rates of 0.854, 0.527 and 0.909, compared to 0.236 for urban counties.

Conclusions

Overall, the ED use resulting from unintentional firearm injury and firearm suicide impact rural counties more than urban counties, while the incidence ED use, hospitalisation and deaths from assaultive firearm injuries was higher in the urban areas.
Parental supervision and child injuries
Authors: Andrade C
Published: March 2011

This study examined the relationship between child injury history, family and parents characteristics, and supervision. We applied a Portuguese version of the Parent Supervision Attributes Profile Questionnaire-PSAPQ (Morrongiello & House, 2004; Morrongiello & Corbett, 2006). One hundred and seventy one parents (42 fathers and 129 mothers) (M=32.94yrs, SD=6.75) completed PSAPQ and a questionnaire about their children injury history, relative to 96 boys and 75 girls (M=3.93yrs, SD=0.99). Parents declared that 92% of their children had small injuries in the last year. Moderate and serious injuries were less frequent. The gender of the child and the family structure did not influence the frequency or the type of injuries. Families with more than four people in the household had children that suffered a greater number of injuries (t(169)=2.07, p=.040) and more serious injuries (χ2(3)=12.99, p=.005). Parents of these families showed higher levels of risk tolerance (t(169)=2.86, p=.005). Parents with a college graduation had lower protectiveness (t(169)=3.39, p=.001) and lower supervision values (t(169)=3.64, p<.001) than parents with lower academic qualifications. However, the differences in academic qualification were not correlated with children frequency or type of injuries. The results show that some family characteristics influence the child injury history and the parents' supervision style.
Older adult pedestrian injuries in the United States: what are the leading causes and how big is the problem?
Authors: Naumann R B , Dellinger A M , Haileyesus T , Ryan G
Published: March 2011

Background

As the US population ages, more older adults will face transportation and mobility challenges. This study examines the characteristics and number of non-fatally injured older pedestrians.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) for the years 2001 through 2006. Cases included persons aged 65 years and older who were non-fatally injured on a public roadway by falling, being hit by a motor vehicle, overexerting themselves, being struck by an object or animal, or being hit by some other form of transport.

Results

Each year, an estimated 52 482 older adults were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal pedestrian injuries. Falling and being hit by a motor vehicle resulted in 92.5% of older adult pedestrian injuries. Older adult pedestrian injuries were often severe; about a third of injuries were to the head or neck, nearly a third resulted in a fracture, and 16% resulted in hospitalisation or transfer to another facility. Nearly a quarter of, or more than 9000, older pedestrian fall-related injuries involved a curb.

Conclusions

The growth in the older adult population could add to the overall burden of these non-fatal pedestrian injuries, including negatively affecting the health and quality of life of older adults and further taxing the already strained US healthcare system. Making transportation and mobility improvements, including environmental modifications, is important to preventing these injuries. Modifications may include medians, refuge islands and curb modifications.
Assessing injury emergency response of village health workers and volunteers in five provinces in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen T H T , Ngoc L T T , Nguyen H T L , Luong M A
Published: March 2011

In Vietnam, road traffic injury is the leading cause of injuries with about 12 000 death cases per year. The prehospital care is still a new issue in the injury prevention work. Village health workers (VHWs) and health volunteers are considered as first tiers of prehospital care in Vietnam. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the injury emergency response capacity of village health workers and volunteers in order to strengthen their capacity.

Methodology

Cross sectional and qualitative methods including interview of 3000 VHWs and volunteers in 60 communes in Vietnam.

Result

Nearly 70% of volunteer and VHW graduated from middle school and high school. In 60 communes, the main cause of injury mortality during 2007–2008 was road traffic 64.5%. There were three death cases due to RTA in each commune in average. The VHW and volunteers provided prehospital care for 10% of road traffic injury (equal about 400 cases) per year in all cities/provinces. Only 16% of volunteers are equipped with essential tools for providing injuries and accident emergency care. 74.5% of volunteers and VHW had seen traffic accidents. 36.7% of volunteers had experiences with traffic injury emergency care. 22% of volunteers/VHW had reported on injuries and accidents; 31.2% of volunteers/VHW had participated in training courses for injuries emergency care and 37.7% of them had got training from local hospitals.

Conclusion

Volunteers and VHW should be provided training, essential emergency trauma care equipments for road traffic injuries.
David's story
Authors: Carnochan J
Published: March 2011

Violence is an enduring public health problem that is as infectious as it is devastating. Over the last few years Scotland has made major strides in adopting a national public health approach to tackling violence. One of the major influencers that encapsulate the problem of violence, its stubbornness and its impact is a presentation called David's story.

David's story is an insight into the life of a young adolescent from Glasgow convicted of culpable homicide. It looks at the pressures on David's life from a very early age and the impact of services and agencies (including health, education, social services, police and justice etc.). It asks the questions was it inevitable that he would kill and what else could we have done?

This is a very powerful presentation which takes the audience on a journey and questions the way we all do business, but it is not about blame and finger pointing: it is about understanding the failures of the past so that we may learn for the future and prevent this happening again.
Applying the Interactive Systems Framework to injury and violence prevention programming
Authors: Graffunder C M , Puddy R , Yee S Lin , Lang K , Marr A
Published: March 2011

The implementation of evidence based programmes and strategies is critical to successfully achieving programmatic objectives. Additionally, building strong infrastructure and capacity is fundamental to sustainability. Yet defining, measuring, monitoring and evaluating such concepts raises persistent challenges. The Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) defines three related systems: the research synthesis, prevention support and prevention delivery systems. The ISF has been used, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to develop and evaluate violence and injury prevention programmes. The presenter will discuss this framework; review examples of its application to injury and violence prevention programming; and describe the benefits and limitations of this system-based model, for both programme planning, implementation and evaluation.
Youth injury risk behaviour and safety in Macedonia
Authors: Tozija F , Dragan G , Kasapinov B , Nikovska D Gudeva
Published: March 2011

Youth in Macedonia face a number of health problems among which violence and injuries are dominant. The main objective of the paper is to determine the magnitude and characteristics of violence and injuries among youth at national and community level. Data from global student health survey 2007 (GSHS) conducted in Macedonia (sample of 2114 students at age 13–15) and from community-based injury survey 2008 (sample of 1200 households) have been analysed. GSHS showed that 31.3% of students had been seriously injured during the past 12 months (males more often 37.3% than females 24.9%), while 10.0% of students were bullied during the past 30 days. Community injury survey implied that most of the injuries occurred among adolescents and young people with the highest injury incidence at the age group 15–19 years, followed by aged 20–24. Injuries at school were reported by 29.3% at age 10–14 and 27.3% at age 15–19, road traffic injuries by 39.4% at age 15–19, etc. More intentional injuries were reported by males in the community survey, with the highest percentage among 20–24 olds (42.1%) and 21.9% for aged 15–19. There were no self-inflicted injuries reported in community survey, while 8.6% of students seriously considered attempting suicide in GSHS. The need for more attention, prevention and support at all levels in a social context has been highlighted. Adolescent-health joint actions have to be developed and promoted to provide safe environments.
Suicide A 7 years survey in Islamic republic of Iran
Authors: Hasani S A , Raadi T , Haddadi M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Nearly 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, with anywhere from 10 to 20 million suicide attempts annually. Suicide is the process of purposely ending one's own life which shatters the lives of family and friends.

Methods

In a 7 year survey from 21 March 2002 to 20 March 2009 all hospitals admitted suicidal cases from all hospitals of Iran medical university in Tehran were included in our study. The cases were both from public and private hospitals.

Results

Overall 12 224 cases were admitted during 7 years, in most cases there was no single or clear reason for why he decided to suicide. The most common type of suicide was drug abuse (taking high doses of legal or illegal drugs) and the less was electrical shock. The most common age was 21–30 years old followed by 16–20. Females attempted and dead much more often by means of suicide than do males (60% vs 40%). Single had more suicidal behaviours than married.

Recommendation

There are two central components of successful prevention programs. The first is case-finding; means to find individuals who are at risk, referring them and making sure they get appropriate care. The second is risk reduction or primary prevention by reducing the risks for suicide and suicidal behaviour in the general population. Community prevention efforts should focus on primary prevention from childhood because behaviours that contribute to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among adults often are established during childhood.
Sustainability of the effects of Abu Dhabi seat belt intervention on seat belt use in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Hosani Y , Stevenson M , El Sadig M , Sue S
Published: March 2011

Although seat belt legislation was implemented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1999, the prevalence of seat belt use did not exceed 15% postimplementation (El-Sadiget al, 2002).

Based on this low prevalence rate, an intervention consisted of social marketing and enhance traffic enforcement strategies were implemented in Abu Dhabi over 4 months period.

The prevalence of seat belt use among drivers and passengers increased from 35% to 45% and from 26% to 33%, respectively (pre- to immediately postintervention).

There prevalence among local drivers increased from 5.6% pre to 10% immediately postintervention and for non-local drivers from 54% to 66%. The overall prevalence rate among local passengers remained at 7% compared to non-local passengers which increased from 37% pre- to 50% immediately postintervention.

At 6 months postintervention, the percentage of all drivers and passengers using seat were 48% and 41.8%, respectively. There was a further 3% increase in the prevalence of seat belt use among local drivers compared to relatively unchanged rate (67%) for non-local drivers.

On the other hand, the prevalence of seat belt use increased from 7% to 11% among local passengers compared to a further 8% increase among non-local passengers.

The finding from this study is consistent with findings from other studies where similar interventions have been implemented (Shultset al, 2004; Stevensonet al, 2008) which demonstrates that successful road safety interventions undertaken in high income countries can effectively be implemented in the UAE.
Risk factors leading to deliberate self harm in patients presenting to the emergency departments: a multi-centre case–control study from Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Shahid M , Hyder A A , Khan M M , Razzak J , Jamali S , Kazmi W , Shaikh R
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To determine the risk factors of patients presenting with deliberate self harm (DSH) to the emergency departments (EDs) of four tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.

To determine the outcome (admission or discharge) of patients presenting with DSH to the EDs of four tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

Study period

March 2010 to May 2010.

Sample Size

An equal number of cases (65) and controls (65) will be enrolled from each centre.

Study site

Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Civil Hospital Karachi and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Study population

Inclusion criteria for cases: all patients 18 years and above presenting to the ED of respective hospitals with DSH attempt.

Inclusion criteria for controls: for each case, a control will be enrolled in the study, which will be identified with the use of ED admission register and will be matched with cases for gender and age 2 years.

Exclusion criteria for both cases and controls: individuals not giving informed consent, critically ill (intubated, obtunded patients, those with third degree burns and life threatening injuries).

Study tool

DSH-Risk Factors and self-reported questionnaire scale for anxiety and depression.

Psychiatric evaluation, treatment and follow-up

The information elicited from questionnaires will help reach a tentative psychiatric diagnosis. These patients will be referred to Psychiatry Consulting Clinics at AKUH. These clinics are conducted by senior psychiatry residents under the supervision of consultants.
Vancouver Charter: bringing ski and snowboard helmet legislation to Canada
Authors: Fuselli P , Hagel B , Stanwick R
Published: March 2011

The Vancouver Charter on Skiing Safety is based on skiing and snowboarding safety and the Turin Charter (approved in the context of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games) and was brought to Canada by Safe Kids Canada. Originally prepared by a panel of experts and specialists delegated by European Governments who worked under the coordination of TOROC (Turin Organizing Committee), BE.PRA.S.A. (a project co-financed by the European Commission and the health authority of the Italian region of Veneto) and the Italian National Health Institute, the aim of the Charter is to promote a safe, healthy and active sporting and recreational culture, and to make its principles visible to the public, citizens and institutions. Over 30 international, national, provincial and municipal organisations have endorsed the Charter to date. The Charter was introduced at a Helmet Forum in November 2009 in Vancouver and featured experts such as Dr Charles Tator, Dr Richard Stanwick, Dr Brent Hagel and Mr Matt Herman. The forum was attended by injury prevention experts, ski/snowboard industry representatives and media and resulted in extensive national media coverage of the issue, especially the diversity of opinions and debates it has created. This presentation will show Safe Kids Canada's experience of how the Charter can be leveraged by other countries, review the challenges and successes, present our knowledge translation ‘recipe for success’ and update the audience on activities to date.
Evaluation of heat stress and its control
Authors: Babu V , Kumar M S
Published: March 2011

Heat stress is the sum of environmental and metabolic heat load on an individual. It considers the environmental (air temperature, thermal radiation, air velocity, humidity) and the personnel (metabolic rate, clothing) parameters. Heat stress experienced for prolonged period is a major risk for the workers. In an engineering industry, heat stress is experienced during the processes such as hardening by sealed quench furnace (SQF), fluidized bed furnace (FBF) and gas nitriding furnace (GNF). In order to minimise and control the risk imposed the environmental working condition shall be assessed, from which risk factor could be calculated. Finally, the areas of potential hazard could be found out. In order to evaluate the actual working condition, temperature and relative humidity are measured. Heat stress index table is arrived showing the apparent temperature which is the same as heat stress index (HSI). By using this heat stress index the heat map is drawn to determine the zones/areas of more heat stress. In such zones, root cause analysis is conducted thereby finding the probable root causes. By this root cause analysis, risk analysis is to be conducted thereby finding the basic risks and the 6W+2H action plan is conducted for identifying where the control measures are required. The engineering control measures are to be implemented for the identified areas. In such areas, Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) is conducted thereby finding the residual risks would be identified by checking the effectiveness of the corrective and the control measures applied for the risks identified. The final solution for the residual risks would either be an administrative control or issue of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is done to enhance the continual improvement of the system employed.
Risk factors of pedestrians' injury in Ghana
Authors: Damsere-Derry J , Ebel B E , Mock C , Afukaar F , Donkor P
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Dying on the road as a pedestrian is a serious health threat in developing countries. Pedestrian fatalities constitute over 60% of all urban road user deaths in Ghana.

Objective

We estimated the OR associated with casualty fatalities using a multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Crossing roadways in Ghana is inimical to pedestrians. Generally, over 70% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred during crossing the roads. Whereas fatalities in 2002 and 2003 were statistically indistinguishable from those of 2004 (p>0.05), in comparison with 2004, there were significantly fewer fatalities in 2005 and 2006 (adjusted OR 0.22, p=0.002; and 0.35, p=0.024 respectively). The probability that a pedestrian death occurring between 2002 and 2006 in Ghana is attributable to excessive speeding is 65%. The adjusted OR of pedestrian death associated with speeding compared with driver inattentiveness was 3.6 (95% CI 2.5 to 5.2). Generally, lighter vehicular masses were associated with low pedestrian fatalities. Compared with buses, pedestrians were less likely to die when struck by private cars (52%), pick-up trucks (57%) and motorcycles (86%). Night-time fatalities were notably higher than daytime deaths (adjusted OR 1.7, p=0.005).

Conclusions

Important risk factors associated with pedestrian death in Ghana include being hit by heavy or speeding vehicles, night-time walking and roadside activities. Steps which may contribute to reducing pedestrian fatalities include measures to reduce vehicle speeds in settled areas, providing traffic medians, lighting streets in settlements and discouraging roadside activities such as hawking.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea among commercial bus drivers in Malaysia
Authors: Fadhli Y , Marina M B , Norlen M , Razif M Y , Ilhamah O , Mazita A , Sani A
Published: March 2011

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) has been identified as one of the significant risk factors for motor vehicle crashes (MVC). In Malaysia, the prevalence of OSA among general population and commercial bus drivers are not known. In the interest of public safety, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of OSA among commercial bus drivers in Malaysia and the association of OSA with MVC. A cross-sectional study involving 292 randomly selected express bus drivers from five commercial bus companies were conducted over a 6 month period. The recruitment process involved two sampling stages; selection of five bus companies from a list of 12 main commercial bus companies in Malaysia and selection of bus drivers from the selected bus companies. Apart from questionnaire on demography and signs and symptoms of OSA, the Berlin and ESS Questionnaire were used for data collection. This was followed by polysomnography test which was done in a Clinical Research Ward, in hospital. Out of 292 subjects, 289 were eligible for analysis. The study revealed that 128 subjects (44.3%) were categorised as having OSA with 83 (28.7%), 26 (9.0%) and 26 (6.6) were classified as mild, moderate and severe OSA, respectively. The study have also identified that age, snoring, BMI, hypertension, neck circumference were significantly associated with OSA status. The results supported the need for identifying the risk group for OSA among commercial bus drivers and the need to diagnose them early for early intervention.
Children's village: an innovative approach to community safety
Authors: Williams J , Williams D
Published: March 2011

In 1986 fire and police officers in Western Maryland, USA recognised the need to create a centralised life safety education centre for children. A number of events precipitated the development of the centre: approval of the Board of Education, volunteer efforts from a local contractor to coordinate the construction of the project, and community support for the concept of a central life safety education resource. The facility opened in 1991. The curriculum includes comprehensive traffic, pedestrian, bicycle safety and other personal safety skills. The highlight of the visit is the opportunity to operate a miniature electric vehicle around the small scale streets and allows students to encounter their peers who may be acting as pedestrians or bicycle operators and reinforces the need for practicing proper safety behaviour. The core theme is injuries are understandable, predictable and almost always preventable. At present, approximately 2000 second grade students from 76 public and 8 private schools visit the Children's Village facility each year. The centre is in continuous operation, 5 days per week, throughout the entire school term. Children's Village has earned national recognition for its success story. There are currently 16 documented cases where former students have saved lives as a direct result of lessons leaned at the centre, and significant residential fires have dropped over 50% since the program began. In this presentation, we will discuss in depth the inception of Children's Village, how the program works and the proven results of having an intensive safety-related education in early childhood.
WHO collaborating centre on community safety promotion
Authors: Svanström L , Sundström M
Published: March 2011

Karolinska Institutet, Division of Social Medicine, Sweden, was designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Community Safety Promotion 1989, because of its long experiences with community oriented safety promotion programmes. The role of the WHO Collaborating Centre is to:

Spread the WHO Safety Promotion Programme Safe Community world-wide;

Review applications from communities related to six Indicators for Safe Communities; Affiliate Centres and Certifying Centres for Safe Communities and Safe Schools;

Organise together with Safe Communities annual International Safe Community Conferences and Regional (Africa; Asia; European; Nordic and Pacific Rim) Safe Community Conferences;

Co-ordinate education on Master and Ph.D. level in safety promotion and training courses sc “Travelling Seminars”;

Publish a newsletter:Safe Community Monthly News;

Involve in other conferences like the biannual “World Conferences on Injury Prevention and Control”;

Conduct methodological development and transfer of technology;

Organise networks for community programs;

Conduct research.
KIDDS – kids involved in driving down speed
Authors: Perry C
Published: March 2011

Kids involved in driving down speed (KIDDS) represents an innovative and creative partnership approach to addressing road safety issues around local primary schools. In 2007, representatives from local road safety organisations worked together with six New Plymouth primary schools on a joint initiative to identify key road safety issues around the schools and develop potential solutions to address them. What was particularly unique about this project was that it was almost entirely led by students from the six schools. Between April and June 2007 the children collected passing vehicle speed data, using hand-held laser guns, along with information on road and weather conditions outside their school. They analysed this data, identified key issues and worked together to develop potential solutions. The children involved in the project presented their findings at a local conference in June 2007. Those invited to the conference included local councillors, road planners, police and other key stakeholders. The project led to the development of joint action plans between the project partners and those agencies with the ability and resources to implement road safety interventions. Outcomes included a number of tangible road safety actions and initiatives (including engineering solutions) and extensive local media coverage. The project won a national Road Safety Innovation Award in 2008, and since then KIDDS has evolved into a similar participatory project focusing on rural school bus safety. The project highlighted how children can become powerful agents of social change, and how communities can make themselves heard by working together on a project that addresses a common concern.