bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fall-related sub-acute and non-acute care and rehabilitation-related acute care: what is the impact?
Authors: Mitchell R , Close J , Cameron ID , Lord S
Published: October 2012

Background

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older people. Rehabilitation services can assist individuals to improve mobility and function after sustaining a fall-related injury. However, the true impact of fall-related injuries resulting in hospitalisation are often underestimated because of failure to consider sub-acute and non-acute care provided following an acute care episode.

Aim

To examine fall-related sub-acute and non-acute care and to establish and project the burden of fall-related rehabilitation in acute care to 2020.

Method

Retrospective review of sub-acute and non-acute records linked to hospital admission and/or emergency department presentations during 2001–2002 to 2008–2009 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Analysis of temporal trends and projections to 2020 of rehabilitation-related (ICD-10-AM: Z47, Z48, Z50, Z75.1) acute hospital admissions.

Results

There were 4317 individuals with a fall-related injury who were admitted to hospital and later admitted for sub-acute and non-acute care; 84% of these were aged 65+ years; 70.4% were female; 27.2% had femur fractures. Total mean FIM scores significantly increased from 78.4 to 94.6 (p<0.0001) between admission and discharge. Fall-related acute rehabilitation episodes are increasing by 9.1% each year for individuals aged 65 years and older and are projected to rise from 18 300 in 2010–11 to 50 000 admissions by 2020.

Significance

This is the first study to provide a snap-shot of the epidemiological profile of individuals using sub-acute and non-acute care in NSW using linked data. This information can be used to inform resource implications for fall-related sub-acute and non-acute care and acute rehabilitation services.
Focus on elderly people in terms of injury prevention in Rapla, Estonia
Authors: Vu T , Finch C , Day L
Published: October 2012

Background

The first Estonian Safe Community (Rapla) was designated in 2004 and re-designated in 2009. The elderly have been one of the target groups of the programme since 2002. The main financier of the programme has been Estonian health insurance fund. Municipal social counsellors, social workers and representatives of associations of retired persons are in tight communication with elder people. Aims/objectives: to decrease the number of accidents and injuries among the elderly population. There are two critical aspects: (1) quality of life of people of age 65+ and (2) tremendous health care costs.

Methods

Community based project/ interventions have been an option (1) to raise the awareness of elderly people and improve their health behaviour in terms of safety, (2) to improve environmental conditions elderly people live in, (3) to find support from local and state level regulations.

Results/Outcome

We have used the local and state level statistics from Estonian health insurance fund. Unexpectedly, data show increased number of injuries among people of age 65+: from 103 : 1000 in 2006–2008 to 113 : 1000 in 2009 and 114 : 1000 in 2010. Although more cases of injuries have been reported among children, youth and working age population the health care costs for elderly have been 5 times higher than for children/youth and 3 times higher than for people of age 19–64.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Injury prevention and safety promotion among the elderly population is underestimated in Estonia. Results from Rapla programme indicate the need for the allocation of the relevant resources required for the well-tailored programmes for this age group.
Knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of Greek health care personnel regarding mobile phone use and road accidents: the ‘Enigma’ project
Authors: Gerakopoulou P , Matsoukis I , Giagou N , Sotiraki M , Kousoulis A , Bouka E , Alexopoulos A , Cassimos D , Petridou E
Published: October 2012

Background

Mobile Phone (MP) use constitutes an established risk for road traffic accidents; there still a scientific controversy, however, on other health risks related with electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by MP, frequently generating high risk perceptions of the public at large.

Aims

Health Care Personnel (HCP) are central figures in shaping public behaviour on sensitive health issues; we sought to 1.examine their knowledge, behaviour and attitudes regarding perceived health risks specifically related to MP use and to explore whether the discrepancy between excessive concerns on the non-established risks due to EMF emissionsversusminimal concerns on evident risks due to MP use on the road also hold for HCP.

Methods

In the context of ENIGMA (http://www.enigma-program.gr), an EMF-related risks information programme, 722 HCP from several Greek cities completed a 22-item structured questionnaire; data were analysed with multiple regression techniques. This quantitative approach was complemented by a double-phased qualitative method, entailing 18 semi-structured individual interviews and 3 focus groups with paediatricians, followed by an interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Correct knowledge about MP health risks reached a minimum 8%, whereas perceived knowledge peaked to >75%, leading to a limited accuracy of <20%. Paediatricians' excessive concerns clustered around three main themes, notably personal involvement, perceived confusion and perceptions about conflict of interest in health risk research, expressed through social conspiracy theories.

Significance

Counselling by experts in sensitive issues is not always in line with evidence based scientific findings, but rather distillates from personal cognition/attitudes/characteristics suggesting a principal risk governance issue for health education policies.
Risk assessment for LED lighting flicker
Authors: Rider G , Altkorn R , Chen X , Wilkins A , Veitch JA , Poplawski M
Published: October 2012

Background

LED (Light Emitting Diode) based lighting has been predicted to reach as much as 60% share of the global lighting market in the next 10 years. It is characterized by exceptional lifetime and excellent energy efficiency. However potential health concerns have been associated with flicker in some LED lighting technologies.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The IEEE PAR1789 Working Group has undertaken a risk assessment of potential hazards associated with flicker in LED lighting as part of an effort to develop Recommended Practices of Modulating Current in High Brightness LEDs for Mitigating Health Risks to Viewers.

Methods

Information on potential health effects of flicker was collected through an extensive literature review and consultation with experts. A risk assessment was conducted following the Eurosafe framework model of risk assessment.

Results/Outcome

Potential adverse effects of flicker include seizure, stroboscopic effects, migraine, exacerbation of repetitive behaviour in persons with autism, and asthenopic effects including eyestrain, fatigue, and reduced performance on visual tasks. Some health effects are well understood in terms of susceptible subgroups, prevalence and influential parameters while other potential hazards are less extensively studied. Therefore the risk assessment incorporates informational certainty as well as probability and severity of potential effects.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Enable confidence in safe use and guidance for safe design of an environmentally important lighting technology.
Characteristics of injured off-road cyclists
Authors: Ivers RQ , Rome L De , Boufous S , Senserrick T , Richardson D
Published: October 2012

Background

Despite increasing popularity of off-road cycling, data on injury in off-road riders are rarely reported. This study aimed to describe characteristics of a sample of injured off-road cyclists.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Phone interviews were conducted with adults presenting to Canberra or Calvary Hospitals in Canberra with a cycle related injury between November 2009 and May 2010; medical records were accessed to verify patient data.

Results

Of 372 eligible cyclists, 84.1% (n=313) participated; 111 (35.5%) were riding off-road. Of off-road riders, most were riding mountain bikes (76%), 93 (84%) were male, compared to 74% overall and more were aged 17–25 (28% vs 22%). Most (63%) were riding on designated off-road trails, 22% in BMX- or skate–parks; 33% of cyclists involved in off-road crashes reported ‘riding for thrills’ compared to 5% in other cyclists, with the most common risk behaviour being downhill speeding. More off-road incidents involved a fall (93% vs 65% of all riders) but fewer involved collisions (6% vs 25%); more off-road riders were recreational riders (73% vs 43%) and more reported previous crashes (72% vs 60%). Most common injuries were bruises, abrasions and sprains; 36% had fractures. Most common injury sites were shoulder, elbow and hand. Helmet usage was higher for off-road riders (89%) compared to those riding on footpaths (71%) or cycle lanes (68%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

A high proportion of injured cyclists were recreational, off-road riders. Although more research is needed, injury prevention programmes for off-road riders might focus on management of risky riding behaviours and hazards in the riding environment.
Needlestick injuries in agriculture
Authors: Anne Taylor
Published: October 2012

Background

Farmers vaccinate thousands of animals in any one year. It is known through surveys that up to 80% of farmers and their workers have received a needlestick injury.

Objectives

To produced a DVD to educate rural workers on:

• The hazards of needlestick injuries especially when the vaccines are harmful to humans

• First Aid treatment

Results

The DVD, produced in 2011, was used as a teaching aid in workshops for farmers and their advisors when educating them about Ovine Johnes Disease and an effective programme to control the spread of the disease. The DVD runs for 5 min and 34 s.

Conclusion

The feedback from viewers indicates it is a useful tool and many have recommended their peers to view it.
Alcohol and community football clubs: club-based characteristics and practices associated with risky consumption
Authors: Wiggers J , Kingsland M , Wolfenden L , Rowland B , Gillham K , Kennedy V , Ramsden R , Colbran R
Published: October 2012

Background

Excessive alcohol consumption has been reported among members and spectators of community sporting clubs. Regulating and modifying the drinking environment is one strategy to reduce the risk of excessive alcohol consumption at sporting grounds.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To determine the extent to which characteristics and practices of community football clubs are associated with risky alcohol consumption by club members.

Methods

Cross sectional surveys of club representatives and members were conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to test associations between alcohol consumption by members and the characteristics and practices of clubs (size, football code, location, responsible service of alcohol, drinking games/promotions, sponsorship).

Results/Outcome

Members of Rugby Union (OR 2.64) and Rugby League (OR 1.95) clubs were at significantly greater odds of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to Australian Rules Football club members. Members of Rugby Union clubs were also at significantly greater odds (OR 2.1) of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to soccer club members. Members of smaller clubs (less than 150 players) were at significantly greater odds (OR 1.45) of consuming alcohol at risky levels compared to members of larger clubs. This was also the case for members of clubs who served alcohol to intoxicated people (OR 2.23), had happy hour promotions (OR 2.84) or had alcohol-only awards (OR 1.80). Risky consumption at football clubs is associated with a combination of club characteristics and potentially modifiable club practices.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Public health strategies that may be effective in modifying such practices range from regulatory enforcement to accreditation schemes.
Coaching our kids to fewer injuries: youth sports safety research
Authors: Angela Mickalide , Kate Carr
Published: October 2012

Background

Participation in team sports builds kids' confidence, promotes teamwork, increases fitness, enhances social skills, and encourages healthy competition. Each year in the USA, 38 million children play organised sports. Yet, sports participation results in 3.5 million medical visits annually.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess coaches', parents' and children's sports-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, with a focus on prevention of concussion, heat stroke and overuse injuries and promotion of safety gear use, pre-participation physical examinations and emergency planning.

Methods

Safe Kids Worldwide partnered with Salter Mitchell to conduct youth sports safety polls with 516 young athletes, 750 parents and 752 coaches.

Results

Misperceptions and uninformed behaviours are all too common. Nine in 10 parents underestimate the length of time kids should take off from playing any one sport during the year, and four in 10 underestimate the amount of fluids a typical young athlete needs per hour of play. Three in 10 kids think that good players should keep playing their sport even when they are hurt, unless a coach or adult makes them stop. Nearly half of all coaches report receiving pressure – either from parents or the kids themselves—to play an injured child during a game.

Conclusion

Safe Kids Worldwide is providing leadership and working together with parents, coaches, athletes, schools, safety advocates, athletic trainers, health professionals, legislators, the media, retailers, and manufacturers to help keep our athletes healthy and injury-free through advocacy, communications, and sports safety clinics nationwide.
An analysis of accidental drowning fatalities in Manipal, South India
Authors: Kanchan T , Monteiro FNP
Published: October 2012

Background

Accidental drowning constitutes a significant public health problem that is often neglected in developing countries.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This study aims at describing the epidemiology and pattern of accidental drowning deaths in Manipal, a coastal city in South India.

Methods

This registry based descriptive research spanned over a period of 10 years (1998–2007). All autopsy case records were retrospectively reviewed and accidental drowning deaths were included in the study.

Results/Outcomes

During the study period 40 cases of drowning deaths were reported. Males accounted for 82.5% of cases. Majority of the victims were in 2nd and 3rd decades, together accounting for 55% of drowning deaths followed by children in the first decade (15%). Fresh water drowning was reported in 70% cases. River was the most common site of drowning (35%) followed by sea (27.5%). Wells, canals, lakes, pond, and water tank were the other sites of drowning. 87.5% victims of drowning were brought dead to hospital. 45% deaths were reported in the post monsoon period. 30% of the total drowning deaths occurred during the year 2006 and 2007.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Morbidity and mortality due to drowning can be prevented by understanding its epidemiology, common patterns and educating people about prevention especially when hindsight often shows that many deaths from drowning are preventable. Drowning is a lethal cause of death and hence, main emphasis must be on prevention. An understanding of the burden of unintentional drowning in the coastal region can help to develop preventive strategies so that precious human lives are saved.
Drowning prevention in culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Authors: Matthews B , Grace S
Published: October 2012

Background

Drowning risk is reported to be increased in people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, due to a limited awareness of hazards and risks, as well as a lack of aquatic participation and skills. However, there is limited information detailing these potential contributing factors in diverse communities.

Aims

This study aimed to determine: the level of aquatic participation, self-reported aquatic skills, and behaviours in people from different cultural backgrounds.

Methods

A survey was developed to assess participation, skill levels and behaviours among diverse community groups in Victoria, Australia. Demographic data were also collected. The study consisted of: A general community survey conducted among 601 residents of Victoria. Respondents were selected by a random sample process with interviews conducted by telephone. Telephone surveys with an additional 506 members of the Italian, Sudanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Indian communities collectively were conducted. Focus group sessions with these communities further explored issues or trends emerging from the telephone surveys. All respondents were aged 18 years and over.

Results

63% of CALD groups had not been swimming in the past year compared to 33% of the general community. Only 23% CALD had formal swimming lessons compared to 71% general community; 37% CALD said they could not swim compared to 5% general community. CALD groups were less likely to consume alcohol and participate in aquatic activities.

Significance

CALD groups had reduced participation and swimming ability but reported certain safer behaviours around water. This evidence will assist development of culturally appropriate programs and water safety messages for drowning prevention.
Out of sight but not out of mind: rural drowning in Queensland
Authors: Wallis B , Watt K , Franklin R , Kimble R
Published: October 2012

Background

Paediatric drowning is a significant cause of preventable death in Queensland, Australia. While literature exists on fatal drowning events, incidence, mechanisms and consequences of nonfatal drowning remain unexplored in the Queensland population, especially in relation to rural/remote regions.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine morbidity and mortality of drowning in young people (0–19 years) in Queensland from 2002 to 2008, and to identify risk factors.

Method

Retrospective data (2002–2008) on fatal and nonfatal drowning events among Queenslanders aged 0–19 years were collated from multiple sources (pre-hospital; emergency department; admitted patients; coroner's), and linked.

Results

There were 1299 cases in total (Incidence Rate=20.81 per 100 000 per annum). Approximately two-thirds of fatal and 47% of non-fatal drowning events occurred outside a major city. Of events that occurred in remote/very remote areas of Queensland, 21% were fatal; this was significantly higher than in regional areas (10.5%), or in major cities 7% (p<0.05).

70% of drowning events that occurred in remote/very remote Queensland were aged 0–4 years. The most common locations for drowning in areas outside of a major city were pool (58%), bath (14%); dam (8%), and river/creek (7%). Patterns of injury will be presented in further detail at the conference.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Drowning in rural and remote areas is a significant issue. This project used linked data to provide the most accurate estimate possible of the incidence of drowning mortality and morbidity, and to identify risk factors. Recommendations for injury prevention strategies relevant to rural and remote drowning will be provided.
Study on evaluation of life jacket utilisation in Vietnam
Authors: Khieu TQT , Luong MA , Tran TNL
Published: October 2012

Background

According to the WHO, an appropriate use of life jacket is an effective method to contribute to the reduction of drowning mortality. Till now, Viet Nam has not ratified a specific regulation on life jacket wearing when participating in watery traffic.

Objective and Method

To assess the quality and utilisation of life jacket as well as to recommend some interventions contributed to increase the rate of life jacket wearing and to minimise drowning in Viet Nam.

Results

The study showed that there were 08 kinds of life jacket with various form and origin in Viet Nam. Interviewing results of 375 high school students in Dong Thap indicated that 93.7% of them had positive awareness on life jacket usage. However, only 15.93% of them utilised life jacket which was subsidised. In this group, 46.15% of children did not wear life jacket regularly. The study also described that two kinds of life jacket with brand of X-26 and Hoa Sua were preferable for utilisation with 88.5%.

Significance

A number of interventions to contribute to drowning control were also recommended; namely enhancement of life jacket usage through free provision and price decrease; construction of bridge; replacement of bamboo bridges with cement ones; suitable management of ship and boat; rejection of utilisation of old ships; and assurance of an adequate quantity of life jackets on boat.
Kids can drown in inflatable pools too!
Authors: Simmonds E , Douglass C
Published: October 2012

Background

Inflatable and portable swimming pools are increasing in popularity due to their easy set up and affordability, especially among low socioeconomic communities who may not be able to afford a permanent swimming pool and the costs associated with installing a pool fence. Not having a fence around large inflatable or portable pools is a major risk of drowning for young children.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To educate the community about the dangers of inflatable and portable pools and that by law, any pool capable of being filled with 300 mm of water or more requires a four-sided fence.

Methods

In 2012, Kids Health will further develop its existing inflatable pool campaign in English and six of the predominant languages spoken in NSW communities. The dissemination of these resources will be supported by paid radio and print media.

Results/Outcome

Kids Health received a lot of media exposure in 2011–2012 on Television, radio and in print and is expecting similar outcomes in 2012–2013.

Focus groups will inform message development and message testing of the inflatable and portable pool safety resources among different community groups as well as determining the effectiveness of the messages in changing people's behaviour.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

There is a serious need to educate the public on inflatable and portable pool safety, providing them with the option of making an informed decision, on whether to purchase pool fencing around large inflatable pools or only purchase smaller inflatable pools that don't require fencing and can be easily emptied and stored away after use.
Unintentional drowning in urban South Africa: a retrospective investigation, 2001–2005
Authors: Donson Hilton , Niekerk Ashley Van
Published: October 2012

Background

Drowning is a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. In South Africa there is sound information and an emerging knowledge base for drowning prevention. However, there remains a scarcity of analyses of drowning in the country.

Methods

The purpose of this analysis was to quantify the magnitude and describe occurrence of unintentional drowning deaths in five major South African cities, recorded between 2001 and 2005 by the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System.

Results

Drowning in South African cities occurred at rates of between 1.4 and 2.7/100 000 population. The majority of drowning occurred amongst males, while the highest rates were observed among 0–4-year-olds. Most drowning deaths occurred during recreational periods, over weekends and in the afternoon. 41.5% of adult drowning victims were alcohol positive at the time of death.

Conclusions

This study is based on one of only two known systematic sources of drowning mortality in Africa. It provides an indication of drowning rates in South African cities with young children and males at considerably more risk. The most likely locations for drowning varied from city to city. Amongst adult victims, especially men, alcohol is an important risk factor.
Battery ingestion hazard mitigation
Authors: Lee D , Midgett J
Published: October 2012

Background

Recent research indicates an increase in button/coin battery ingestion, causing severe injuries or death, if not detected and removed within 2 h of lodging in the oesophagus. A multifaceted approach is needed to combat the hazard, including increasing consumer education and awareness of proper use and disposal of batteries; improving product standards for electronic enclosures, product packaging, and literature; and advancing technological improvements in battery design that could mitigate the hazard.

Objective

To discuss conceptual technological improvements in button/coin battery designs to mitigate battery ingestion hazards.

Methods

This paper considers various methods of reducing the hazard including: using nonconductive encapsulation or modifying the terminal surface area to reduce accessible electrode area; adding a protective device to limit current flow; or adding a collapsible mechanism to a battery's outer surface that will expand when the battery is removed from an enclosure so that it will be too big to be swallowed.

Results

Practicalities of these conceptual changes and results of some battery ingestion simulations are discussed. Simulations show that near-complete encapsulation of one of the poles is necessary to prevent necrosis.

Significance

Methods for battery ingestion prevention or disabling the current from an ingested battery could prevent or reduce severe injury and death.
Coin cell battery ingestion hazard mitigation strategies
Authors: Midgett J , Sung JN , Kwon JH , Onda M , Matsumoto R , Rushton M , Jamieson J
Published: October 2012

Serious and fatal injuries to children caused by coin/button cell battery ingestion have dramatically increased in recent years. If a cell lodges in the oesophagus, the electrical current hydrolyses body fluid leading to fatal or debilitating hydroxide burns in as few as 2 h. Injuries include tracheo/aortal-oesophageal fistulas, necrosis, stricture, and vocal cord paralysis. Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult, long-term, and painful.

For this 90-min workshop, the consumer safety regulatory agencies of the USA, Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand will invite medical experts and engineers to describe innovative solutions to eliminate the hazards posed by the ingestion of coin/button cell batteries, aid detection, or enhance treatment options for victims.

Such non-hazardous batteries may not be commercially available. Theoretical cell designs are encouraged with accompanying implementation, impact and feasibility estimates.

Potential speaker topics include the detection and treatment of battery-related injuries and exposure mitigation strategies such as ingestion deterrents, guards on cells that prevent current flow, or cell deactivation designs that eliminate exposure to electrical current if cells are swallowed.
Design of a safer Lithium coin cell battery
Authors: Ok J , Zwaan A , Cooper P
Published: October 2012

Background

Ingestion of a lithium coin cell battery can result in serious injuries and the incidents are on the rise. Small size and coin-like appearance of the batteries make it very difficult to be aware of the ingestion promptly, which hinders a timely medical treatment.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To cope with the growing health threat this research focuses on responsive polymer materials and reactive structure of coin cell batteries through an interdisciplinary approach of industrial design and chemical engineering.

Methods

We designed a safer lithium coin cell battery to discourage swallowing and, even if ingested, provide a visible alarm instantly to nearby caregivers. In addition, the battery may remain inactive in an alimentary canal to minimise the likelihood of injuries associated with the ingestion.

Results/Outcome

In simulation experiments, our prototypes emitted an easily noticeable warning immediately after ingestion and remained inert for more than 8 h, showing a stark contrast to untreated batteries that caused a pH spike. The result suggests that the safety features may help an ingested battery be evacuated safely without inflicting injury on the body.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Our design may contribute to decreasing the ingestion cases and their consequent injuries through industrial application.
Preventing Lithium coin battery ingestion: a five-pronged strategy
Authors: Babiak M
Published: October 2012

Background

Unlike other battery chemistries, the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries can cause serious oesophageal burns if lodged for even a short period of time. The USA battery industry is deeply concerned about the hazards presented by the ingestion of lithium coin cell batteries and has undertaken many initiatives designed to educate consumers, the medical community, and others on these dangers and to examine potential preventative measures.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Communication of a five-pronged strategy for addressing this important health and safety issue.

Methods

(1) Education/outreach, (2) battery compartment design, (3) warning copy, (4) packaging, and (5) battery design.

Results/Outcomes

Industry efforts have focused on educating consumers on the hazards associated with lithium coin cell batteries and educating the medical community on battery design features that allow for distinction between lithium batteries and actual currency in radiographic images, thereby leading to more timely and accurate diagnosis of potential ingestions. Working with device designers, appliance manufacturers, and standards development organisations, the industry supports changes to battery compartment design to reduce ease of accessibility. The industry supports efforts to evaluate potential design modifications that may reduce ingestions. While the variety of devices that rely on lithium coin cell batteries in the marketplace makes battery redesign more challenging than other areas, such modifications are also being evaluated. Changes have been advanced to strengthen warning copy and evaluate packaging options to limit the accessibility of lithium coin cell batteries.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Comprehensive approach based on learnings and actions.
Energiser's approach to Lithium coin cell battery ingestion
Authors: Babiak M , Cooper P
Published: October 2012

Background

Upon seeing a shift in severity of injuries associated with lithium coin cell battery ingestions, Energiser sought to understand the mechanism of injury with the ingestion of these battery types through experimentation. Upon understanding the mechanism of injury and why the response for lithium coin cell batteries is different than that for other battery chemistries, Energiser communicated this understanding to the overall battery industry and US medical community and started work in five areas.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Communicate the technical explanation of the mechanism behind the injury to a global audience and present work-to-date on the five areas.

Methods

Energiser's work to-date focuses on five areas: (1) warning copy, (2) battery compartment design, (3) packaging, (4) battery design and (5) communication and outreach.

Results/Outcomes

Injury occurs due to hydrolysis and generation of high pH and solutions that may minimise or eliminate the risk of injury following ingestion.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Provides root-cause analysis to facilitate hazard reduction.
Batteries not included: identifying disc battery injury in a health setting
Authors: Barker R
Published: October 2012

Background

The risk of severe injury and death associated with ingestion or insertion of disc batteries is being recognised by product safety regulators, injury prevention practitioners and specialised clinical health groups worldwide. As prevention efforts step up with public awareness campaigns, there is still a problem in identifying children who have ingested or inserted a disc battery and accessing rapid treatment.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To describe the challenges in recognising children who have been exposed to a disc battery from the point of view of a parent and a clinician using a clinical example. To describe challenges in identifying cases of disc battery exposure in health data.

Methods

The author works as an emergency paediatrician and directs the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit. The presentation will describe her personal experience of a case of misdiagnosis of an oesophageal disc battery set within the context of injury surveillance data describing the extent of this issue in Queensland.

Results/Outcome

The presentation will clarify reasons for underreporting and inform broader discussion about prevention of disc battery related injury.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This paper is a call for primary prevention as diagnosis is challenging, delays common and the results are potentially fatal.
Resident advocacy to mitigate hazards of button battery ingestions
Authors: Maule Karen L , Harisiades James P
Published: October 2012

Background

In collaboration with selected faculty, the Office of Child Advocacy supports resident education in advocacy and mobilised an evidence-based response to mitigate hazards of button battery ingestions.

Objectives

We aimed to improve industry standards on battery and product manufacturing and labelling and to raise awareness of the dangers of button battery ingestions.

Methods

Over 18 months, the resident leadership catalysed state and national advocacy. We created a national coalition of clinical, consumer, legislative, and industry advocates and collectively developed interventions to increase regulatory, commercial, public and physician awareness for improved industry standards.

Results

We presented relevant information to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) following expert testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee that identified button batteries as an emerging safety hazard. With the support of the CPSC, Underwriters Laboratory and the American Society for Testing Materials are collaborating to create an all-encompassing industry standard to improve battery and electronic product safety. Engineers are developing battery and product redesign. We mobilised support for a Senate appropriations bill requiring the CPSC to promulgate a mandatory safety standard for button batteries. The Illinois State Attorney General released the 2011 Safe Shopper's Guide highlighting button battery hazards to children. Traditional and social media outlets were utilised to improve awareness, including the Battery Controlled campaign launched by Safe Kids Worldwide and Energiser.

Significance

Resident mentorship can cultivate leadership in advocacy across the trajectory of training and lifelong learning.
Homicide fall in São Paulo municipality, Brazil: the role of public security indicators
Authors: Peres MFT , Almeida JF , Ruotti C , Nery MB
Published: October 2012

Throughout the first decade of the 21st century, homicide mortality rate (HMR) significantly decreased in the state of São Paulo. In the city of São Paulo (MSP), this rate dropped by 74% between 2001 and 2008, from 56.4 to 14.9 per 100 000 inhabitants. The role of public safety measures in the reduction in HMR has been widely discussed in studies conducted in the USA. The international literature also emphasises the importance of demographic and socioeconomic changes in the drug use pattern to reduce violence and crime levels.

Objective

To analyse the association between homicides and public security indicators in MSP between 1996 and 2008.

Methodology

Time-series ecological study. Dependent variable: number of homicide deaths per year; Independent variables: arrest-incarceration rate (TAE), access to firearms (AAF), police activity (ATP), Unemployment rate and youth in population. Data analysis was conducted in Stata.IC 10.0. Simple and Multiple negative binomial regression models were run.

Results

Homicide and TAE, and Homicide and ATP were significantly associated in simple regression analysis (p>0,05). After controlling for covariates the associations with both the public security indicators were not significant.

Conclusions

In MSP the role of public security indicators loss their importance after adjustment for unemployment rate and youth in population. The results reinforce the importance of socioeconomic and demographic factors for the change in the public security scenario.
The relationship between payday and violence in Guatemala
Authors: Ramirez D , Branas CC , Wu E
Published: October 2012

Background

In 1996, Guatemala emerged from a decades-long civil war, yet currently faces the highest rates of violence since then. From 1999 to 2006, homicides increased 120% in a country now considered one of the most violent places on earth, outside of active war zones. Reports suggest violence rises during the middle and last days of every month, when wages are paid, but no study supports this payday-violence connection.

Aim

To determine if fatal violence is associated with payday, adjusting for gender, age and time.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of autopsies registered to the Guatemalan National Institute of Forensic Sciences in 2008, estimated mean numbers of deaths during paydays versus non-paydays. Regression analyses were undertaken to account for the effects of gender, age, and time.

Results

A total of 11 896 autopsies of people≥10-years-old were analysed. Of these, 84.5% were male, with a mean age of 35.7 years. 39.6% of deaths were caused by gunfire, 2.9% by stabbing, and 57.5% by other mechanisms. Regression modelling showed the risk of homicides during paydays was lower compared to non-paydays, though this was not significant (p=0.145). The mean number of deaths did significantly differ by day-of-week (p<0.0001) and month (p<0.001), with highest means from Saturday-Monday and October-December.

Significance

These results help to understand the role of payday and other covariates as potentially modifiable risk factors for violence. Future research and interventions might consider specific time markers, such as days and months, for the prevention of violence in Guatemala and similarly situated countries.
Street harassment: an unaddressed form of gender-based violence
Authors: Neeti Rustagi , Pamela Orpinas
Published: October 2012

Background

Street harassment refers to verbal comments and physical actions between strangers that are unwelcome or threatening and that occur in public places. Itis an understudied form of violence against women.

Objective

To assess the magnitude of the problem of street harassment experienced by adolescent girls and young women, evaluate its consequences, and identify the types of social support availed by them.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 40 female adolescents and young women aged 15–25 years living in an urban resettlement colony of East Delhi, India. The interview protocol requested information about various forms of street harassment, consequences, and societal support sought in response to such experiences.

Results

Participants reported the following forms of street harassment by strange men: purposely being touched (51.2%), being commented upon (46.3%), being stalked (22%), being pushed (14.6%) and being threatened (2.4%). Such behaviour made them feel humiliated (53.7%), disturbed about their body (29.3%), lose their appetite (19.5%) and have sleep problems (14.6%). Only half had discussed such episodes with their guardians, friends or other elders and had sought their advice. For averting such incidences, females resorted to: curtailing of outdoor activities (60%), staying away from places where such episodes had occurred (46.3%) and avoiding going out alone (34.1%).

Significance

This pilot study highlights the pervasiveness of street harassment, which can lead to the restriction of women's mobility outside their homes and psychological problems. Public education strategies are discussed.
The cost of managing injuries of bomb blast seen at hospitals in eight Nigeria states
Authors: Swomen H , Onazi O , John I , Valenti M , Oga E
Published: October 2012

Background

Recent spates of bomb blasts unleashed by terrorists in eight Nigerian States warranted research into the health cost of managing one of such bomb blast victim.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in one hospital in each of eight states (Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna and Kano) from 2010–2012 using a cluster sampling method, selecting fifty victims of bomb blast per state. We obtained data from hospital intake billing registers.

Results

The following costs reflect the range of in-patient hospital costs only. They do not include follow up treatment, rehabilitation, or mental health counselling. Hospital stays ranged from 4–8 weeks per person.

1. Borno State: 700USD–2000USD

2. Plateau State: 750USD–3500USD

3. Bauchi State: 720USD–3000USD

4. Yobe State: 700USD–3150USD

5. Gombe State: 730USD–3350USD

6. Niger State: 710USD–3450USD

7. Kaduna State: 800USD–3750USD

8. Kano State: 850USD–4000USD

Conclusion and Significance

The relevance of this pilot study in identifying the cost of managing injuries of one bomb blast victim exposes an enormous diversion of scare healthcare resources from the care of between 10–57 people based on the current Nigerian health expenditures per capita. There is an urgent need to prevent violence from these terrorists.
Curbing violence in emerging market communities in Delta state Nigeria
Authors: Ajufo M , Ekwuoba E , Ojugbana C , Magbor A
Published: October 2012

Background

Emerging market communities in Nigeria bring with it influx of people and increased commercial activities to the existing community. Studies conducted on such communities have always indicated that such increase in population also come with some criminal activities like stealing, drug peddling, prostitution and other unlawful activities.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To curb violence and criminal in emerging market communities.

Methods

A 3 months study was conducted in three emerging markets in Asaba (Afia –Hausa market), Okwe (Iyanga market) and Oko (Cattle market) all in Delta State, Nigeria. Direct interviews and observations were carried out.

Results/Outcomes

Results showed existence of commercial sex centres and drug peddling activities, all the 60 officials of the market union interviewed agreed that criminal activities existed. 93% of the 100 Members of the communities interviewed agreed that activities had increased by about 200–300% in the communities. No police presence or drug enforcement agency presence was recorded.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

An effective community vigilante service is necessary to be established in these new emerging market communities comprising of members from the old and new inhabitants. Narcotic control and police authorities should conduct regular visits and surveillance in these new communities. Crime report centres should be established. These recommended steps when implemented would assist in curbing violence and crime in these communities.
Injuries by interpersonal violence in emergency rooms of eight hospitals of the ministry of health, El Salvador, 2010
Authors: Silvia Garcia , José Pereira , Ulises Nolasco
Published: October 2012

Background

In El Salvador, interpersonal violence is a major problem for public health which causes injuries, disabilities, and deaths, affecting legal medical services and rehabilitation, which lead to an incalculable human suffering, affecting individuals, families, communities and society in general.

Objective

To describe the characteristics of injured by interpersonal violence attended in emergency rooms of eight national hospitals of the Ministry of Health.

Material and Methods

Review injury surveillance system database of patients attended in emergency rooms of eight hospitals, from 1 January to 31 December. 2010. Analysis of data was done by Excel 2007. Variables analysed: Hospital, attended, hospitalised, department of the event, year, month, hour, sex, age, occupation, mechanism, intentionality, activity, severity, destiny and type of treatment.

Results

4.301 cases attended by injuries due to interpersonal violence, 89% they proceed of three departments of the country, being registered the most in January, March and May. The most affected group of age was from 20 to 39 years, with predominance of men (78%), being the most frequent occupation in over 15 years: Students (22%), housekeepers (20%) and merchants (16%). The greater hours of occurrence were from 6 to 17 h (63%). The lead mechanism was physical force/blunt objects (62%). The most frequent activity when the injuries occurred was recreation/resting (27%). The majority of injuries according the severity they were light (61%), with ambulatory treatment in the majority of cases (75%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

These results improve our understanding of the characteristics of interpersonal violence-related injuries in El Salvador.
Violence against individuals with disabilities: a synthesis of studies on prevalence and risk
Authors: Hughes K , Jones L , Wood S , Bellis MA
Published: October 2012

Background

Around 15% of the world's population has a disability. Individuals with disabilities are frequently reported to be at increased risk of violence yet quantitative syntheses of studies on this issue are scarce.

Aims

To quantify violence against individuals with disabilities through systematic review and meta-analyses.

Methods

12 electronic databases were searched to identify studies reporting prevalence of violence against individuals with disabilities, or their risk of violence compared with non-disabled individuals. Studies of children and adults were addressed separately, focusing on lifetime violence in children and past year violence in adults. Studies were quality assessed and data were pooled for analysis.

Results

Of 10 663 references, 26 adult and 17 child studies were included. Most had been conducted in high income studies. In adults, pooled prevalence of violence in the past year was 3.2%, with a pooled crude OR of 1.5. Prevalence and odds were highest in those with mental health conditions, although insufficient studies were available for most disability types. For children, pooled prevalence of lifetime violence was 26.7%, with a pooled crude OR of 3.7. Violence was elevated in children with mental/intellectual disabilities; again insufficient studies were available for other disability types.

Significance

Our review confirms that individuals with disabilities are at increased risk of being victims of violence. However, available studies have methodological weaknesses and gaps exist in the types of disability and violence they address. Further high quality studies are needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to support worldwide preventive action.