bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COLLABORATION MULTIPLIER: ADVANCING A MULTI-SECTORAL APPROACH TO PREVENTING VIOLENCE AND UNINTENTIONAL INJURY
Authors: Pan J , Cohan L
Published: October 2012

Injury and violence are among the most serious public health challenges facing our communities. Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans 1–44, resulting in over $406 billion in health costs and lost productivity. At the same time, pervasive violence results in substantial health effects; over 740 000 youth are treated in the ER annually as a result of violence, the second leading cause of death for youth 10–24. While unintentional and intentional injury prevention advocates have traditionally been siloed from each other, there are benefits to coordinating efforts. Understanding partner intentions and motivations, perspectives on the issue at hand, communication styles, professional and community cultures, and varying interests, values, and missions can lead to more effective collaboration.

Informed by years of experience working collaboratively with a range of diverse organisations on community prevention efforts, Prevention Institute developedCollaboration Multiplier,a framework for community stakeholders and decision makers to learn more about each other and identify ways of working together. Advocates from both unintentional and intentional injury fields can engage groups across a multitude of sectors and disciplines, including public health, policymakers, planners, law enforcement, educators, community-based organisations, and health care providers to leverage expertise, share data and best practices, and maximise their collective impact.

This presentation will share the lessons learned from various community efforts utilising multi-sector collaboration and introduce a tool for delineating potential roles for unintentional and intentional injury advocates to engage in strategies to create safe and equitable communities.
MULTIVARIATE TECHNIQUES AND GEOSTATISTICAL MODELS APPLIED TO THE HOMICIDES STUDY IN CALI, COLOMBIA
Authors: Ortega D , Arango D , Andrade M , Fandiño A , Gutiérrez MI
Published: October 2012

Background

In a city with high rates of violence such as Cali is important to use tools to monitor this phenomenon to identify the sites of major crime and thereby prevent and mitigate the problem.

Objectives

To estimate the homicide risk in Cali through geostatistical models involving spatial correlation structure as also identifying relationships between variables that explain the homicidies in the city.

Methods

The methodology has two components: the first one corresponds to the spatial analysis which observes if there is a possible correlation of homicides (also addressing statistical methods of concentration) and distribution as it works in geostatistics. The second is to characterise the homicides through a multiple factor analysis, working with tables of three indexes: individuals, variables, and the moments when these variables are measured.

Results

Using this methodology, the results indicate that the highest homicide risk is concentrated in the neighbourhoods of central and eastern sectors of the city, as well as evidencing the communes of the centre have the highest number of murder cases which are highly related with firearm deaths, knifes, unemployees and male gender. Also was observed anisotropic behaviour of semivariogram, directed by an angle of 90 degrees, which corresponds to the eastern neighbourhoods of the city.

Contribution to the Field

Through this methodology, we can obtain useful tools and strategies to help the stake holders in differentiated by zones, and build public policy actions to mitigate the problem and prevent homicide deaths.
DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY SAFETY SCORECARD: USING SMALL AREA DESIGNATIONS TO DESCRIBE RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND INEQUITIES ACROSS A LARGE URBAN AREA
Authors: Weiss B , Meza M , Lee S , Hsu P , Rice C
Published: October 2012

Background

Despite downward cascading crime rates, many communities have extraordinarily high rates of gang violence and other violent crime. Children in these communities experience victimisation or witness crime and violence on a daily basis.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To understand neighbourhood disparities in safety and community equity, the Violence Prevention Coalition and the Advancement Project created a Community Safety Scorecard, ‘snapshot’, of risk and protective factors to compare neighbourhoods and communities within Los Angeles.

Methods

Approximately 1400 indicators identified as relevant to community safety. Using regression analyses four domains were identified with the greatest correlation to desired outcomes. These domains are; community safety, risk-factors, protective-factors, and school conditions. Three to five indicators in each of the domains provided sufficient information to generate a meaningful score. Indicators were then aggregated and indexed to create a standardised score by ‘zip code’, and letter grades from A to F, similar to school report cards were assigned.

Results/Outcomes

Inequity in public safety and investment was revealed and solutions suggested. Zip-codes with little investment and those in danger of becoming ‘hot zones.’ were identified. Recommendations for a multi-layered violence reduction model were designed.

Significance/Contributions to the Field

The Scorecard helps to identify solutions and provides direction to the type of solutions needed. It shows that focusing attention only on one domain is not sufficient to turn high risk neighbourhoods into safe communities. This methodology is adaptable to other locations and provides a tool for community progress. It calls attention to community inequities and can guide policymakers towards equitable resource distribution.
USE OF NESTED CASE-CROSSOVER STUDY WITHIN A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY TO EXAMINE BOTH FIXED AND TRANSIENT RISK FACTORS FOR SLIPPING
Authors: Verma SK , Chang WR , Lombardi DA , Courtney TK , Huang YH , Brennan MJ , Perry MJ
Published: October 2012

Background

Slips and falls are one of the leading causes of injury.

Objectives

Using a nested case-crossover study within a prospective cohort study, we examined the associations between fixed factors (floor surface characteristics, slip-resistant shoes, floor cleaning frequency) and transient factors (rushing, distraction, contaminated floor), and the rate of slipping in limited-service restaurant workers.

Methods

475 workers from 36 limited-service restaurants in the US participated in a prospective cohort study of workplace slipping with a nested case-crossover arm. At baseline, kitchen floor surface roughness and coefficient of friction (COF) were measured. Slip-resistant status of the shoes was determined by direct observation. Restaurant managers reported the frequency of daily kitchen floor cleaning. Information about usual frequency of transient exposure was also obtained at the baseline. Participants reported their slip experience, whether exposed to transient exposures at the time of slip, and work hours weekly for up to 12 weeks. A negative-binomial GEE model and Mantel-Haenszel estimator for person-time data were used to calculate rate ratios.

Results

Adjusting for covariates, use of slip-resistant shoes was associated with a 54% reduction in the rate of slipping (95% CI 37 to 64%) and the rate of slipping decreased by 21% (95% CI 5% to 34%) for each 0.1 increase in the mean kitchen COF. The rate of slipping was significantly increased by rushing, distraction and walking on a contaminated floor. Use of slip-resistant shoes decreased the effects of rushing and contaminated floor.

Significance

These results provide support for the use of slip-resistant shoes and measures to increase COF as preventive interventions to reduce slips, falls, and injuries.
PREVENTING FALL INJURIES AMONG ELDERLY BY SHOCK ABSORBING FLOORING
Authors: Gustavsson J , Nilson F , Andersson R
Published: October 2012

Background

Within nursing homes, the fall-related fracture incidence rate is between 5 and 10%. For those living in nursing homes there are limited options for active fall injury prevention, due to physical impairments and diseases. Instead, passive fall injury prevention is a more realistic alternative. Shock absorbing flooring has been suggested as a potential passive safety measure for this group of individuals.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To evaluate the fall injury reducing effect of shock absorbing flooring in a nursing home setting in Sunne, Sweden.

Methods

The study is case controlled, with the shock absorbing flooring installed on one ward with a maximum of 12 residents and the other five wards are controls. The total number of residents including control wards is approximately 60. Baseline measurements are made with estimates of the risk of falling as well as the risk of fall-related injury.

Results/Outcome

After 1 year, there has been 22 falls on the shock absorbing flooring, with no resulting injury compared to 130 falls and four fractures on the control wards. An unexpected finding is that the acoustic environment has improved considerably, creating a calmer environment for the elderly.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

To our knowledge, this is the first time a shock absorbing flooring has been tested and evaluated as a means of injury prevention in a nursing home. Although this is a pilot study, it contributes towards improved passive safety for this frail group of elderly.
THE IDENTIFICATION AND TARGETED PRE-LICENCE REMEDIATION OF OVERCONFIDENT, RISK-TAKING YOUNG DRIVERS
Authors: Hill J , Fickling G
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury and death rates are much higher for overconfident, risk-taking young drivers. Understanding their differing driver personality (Driver IQ) characteristics enables identification and remediation of negative behaviour before or just after licensing, and has a greater impact on youth road safety than any other initiative, particularly any that does not address driver personality.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To reliably identify risk-taking drivers, and to enrol them in a process of attitude change that permanently improves driving behaviour.

Method

Groups of pre-drivers completed a unique questionnaire and as a result self-evaluated into two distinct Driver IQ groups—Demure (cautious) and Dominant (risk-taking) drivers. Drivers in each group then received attitude training that targeted their different needs and characteristics.

Results/Outcomes

Drivers trained by this method showed far more willingness to change negative behaviour and their crash rates were reduced by more than 50% over control groups who did not receive such training.

Significance/Contribution to the field

Being able to identify and repair poor youth driving behaviour is critical in reducing high levels of youth road trauma. Understanding driver personality types and the different training needs of each type is ground-breaking, and critical to the effective future training of all young drivers. From this knowledge, young drivers will drive with reduced crash risks and will also be prevented from attending ineffective or dangerous training.
RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO REDUCE IN-PATIENT FALLS IN HOSPITALISED OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Kendrick D , Sahota O , Vass C , Drummond A , Grainge M , Avis M , Gladman J
Published: October 2012

Background

One million in-patient falls occur in the US annually with similar rates across higher income countries. More than half such falls occur at the bedside. Multifactorial interventions including bed/chair pressure sensors have significantly reduced falls but the contribution of sensors to this reduction is unclear.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To assess effectiveness of bed/chair pressure sensors in reducing in-patient falls.

Methods

RCT comparing sensors with usual care in acute admissions to five, elderly care medical wards in one UK publicly funded hospital. Sensors were fitted by the research team and ward staff were trained in their use. The primary outcome measure was bedside falls. Secondary outcomes included injurious bedside falls, fear of falling (m-FES) health related quality of life (EQ5D), activities of daily living (Barthel index), length of stay and discharge to admission address. Comparisons between arms were made using generalised linear models, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U and χ2tests.

Results/Outcome

1839 participants (intervention=921; control=918) were recruited. Mean age was 85 years, 55% were female and 65% had a MMSE<23/30. 85 bedside falls occurred in the intervention arm and 83 in the control arm (8.71 vs 9.84/1000 bed days, IRR 0.89, 0.65–1.20). No significant differences in secondary outcome measures were found.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Bed/chair pressure sensors did not reduce the rate of falls amongst older people admitted to acute elderly care medical wards in a publicly funded hospital. Sensors may not make a large contribution to falls reductions seen in multifactorial trials.
DEVELOPMENT OF A RECORD LINKAGE SYSTEM TO SUPPORT INJURY SURVEILLANCE AND THE EVALUATION OF INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Lyons RA , Macey S , Turner S , Ford DV
Published: October 2012

Background

Observational and interventional epidemiology have developed apart with separate data systems and skill sets. There is a need to bring these together to speed translation of knowledge to support developing and testing new interventions, and widespread adoption of those which are effective to maximise population benefit.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To develop an integrated population based information system to support injury prevention and control.

Methods

The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) system was created for the population of Wales (approximately 3 million individuals) from multiple datasets. Anonymisation occurs at individual and household level. Birth, migration and death data are linked to inpatient, outpatient, emergency department (ED), general practice (GP) and other datasets.

Results/Outcomes

During the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 the number of injured individuals within the ED, inpatient and mortality datasets totalled 330 183; 42 610 and 1102 respectively. These cases can be linked to birth, death and residential records from the Welsh Demographic Service, a dataset comprising information on approximately 4.5 million living and dead people in Wales. Linkages can also be made to approximately 1.4 million anonymised households plus a growing GP dataset currently encompassing 40% of the GPs across Wales. Evaluations underway include: targeting of house fire prevention, home improvements, the impact of energy efficiency interventions, and the impact of changing access to alcohol outlets.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The SAIL system represents a significant development in capability to evaluate injury prevention and control interventions and policies whilst also undertaking surveillance.
BENCHMARKING PROGRESS ON CHILD SAFETY ACTION IN EUROPE—THE RESULTS OF THE 2012 CHILD SAFETY REPORT CARDS
Authors: Mackay M , Vincenten J , Lyons RA , Macey S , Turner S
Published: October 2012

Background

Despite the existence of effective measures to reduce child unintentional injury, they are not always adopted and implemented. A lot of what is known to work requires government action in the form of national level policy or legislation. Child Safety Report Cards, developed in Europe in 2005, identify policy gaps, allow general European-level comparisons and measurement of improvements over time.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To measure uptake and implementation of national level policies to support child injury prevention in 31 European countries in 2012 and progress over 5 years.

Methods

Data for 115 policy indicators addressing unintentional child injury were obtained using English language survey tools. Issue specific and overall scores were calculated. Trend analyses to compare scores in 2007, 2009 and 2012 were conducted using paired t-tests.

Results/Outcome

None of the countries have adopted and implemented all recommended policies. Uptake is highest for road safety, while uptake of those related to home safety is lower. Between 2007 and 2012 the change in overall score for the 16 countries participating in both time periods ranged from −6.5 to +18.5 with the greatest improvements occurring in fall prevention, burn/scald prevention, pedestrian safety and leadership, and in countries where investments have been made in the last 5 years (eg, Czech Republic, Hungary, Scotland and Spain). The average increase of 5.09 was statistically significant (p=0.019; 95% CI 0.96 to 9.22).

Significance/Contribution to the field

While a crude measurement tool, the Child Safety Report cards have become an accepted benchmarking tool and have proved to be an effective advocacy tool driving action toward evidence-based good practices.
CHILD INJURY PREVENTION AND THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Authors: Deave T , Towner E , Baset MK , Brussoni M , Pant P
Published: October 2012

Background

The UNCRC has had a significant influence on legislation, policy and programmes in child health, transforming how children have been viewed and treated. The World report on child Injury prevention stressed the importance of using a child rights based approach.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To explore ways in which the UNCRC can be used more widely in the field of child injury prevention, through the use of case studies of good practice from different parts of the world. To identify opportunities for how the child injury field can be enhanced.

Methods

Rights can be divided into the three Ps of protection, participation, and provision. Rights of protection include the right to be protected from exploitation. Rights of participation enable children to be involved in decisions and actions that affect them. Rights of provision include the right to education, and the right to a safe environment.

Results/Outcomes

We shall outline the key principles of the UNCRC and illustrate them using case studies drawn from three continents. These include: child labour and child injury; involving children in injury prevention, preventing injuries in Aboriginal children and influencing the policy agenda at national level.

Significance/Contribution to the field

Framing the issue of child injury around a child rights approach may give it a higher profile. The strength of a rights-based approach is that human rights are legal obligations that underpin mechanisms to hold governments accountable. Use of the UNCRC would result in a more effective public health response to child injury.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BURN MORTALITY RATES AND ECONOMIC STATUS OF COUNTRIES
Authors: Peck M , Pressman M
Published: October 2012

Background and Objective

Over 90% of burn deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries globally. However, the association between burn mortality rates and economic health has not been evaluated for individual countries. This study seeks to answer the question, how strong is the correlation between burn mortality and national indices of economic strength?

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 189 countries during 2008–2010 with economic data from the World Bank as well as mortality data from the World Health Organisation. Countries were divided into 5 groups based on income level according to stratification by the World Bank (low-income, lower middle-income, upper middle-income, and high-income (OECD and non-OECD)). The Pearson Correlation was used to estimate presence and strength of association among death rates, country income level, GINI coefficient (measure of inequality of distribution of wealth), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, gross national index (GNI) per capita, and income shares held by highest 10% and lowest 10% of the population.

Results and Conclusions

There were statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between burn mortality and country income (r=−0.44), GDP per capita (r=−0.26), GNI per capita (r=−0.36), GINI (r=+0.17), and lowest 10% (r=+0.34). The income level of a country is negatively correlated with burn mortality—the lower the country income level, the higher the burn mortality rates. In addition, the degree to which income within a country is equitably or inequitably distributed correlates with burn mortality.

Significance

Both governmental and non-governmental organisations need to focus on preventing burns in low-income countries.
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 hours 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.
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.
ALCOHOL AND ROAD SAFETY POLICY IN EUROPE: SUCCESSES AND FAILURES
Authors: Sethi D , Mitis F
Published: October 2012

Background

In the WHO European Region, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in young people aged 5–29 years. Alcohol is an important risk factor for severe crashes.

Purpose

To discuss of alcohol-related road safety policy in Europe.

Methods

Literature review, survey of health ministry focal persons from 49 countries and routine data.

Results

The burden of alcohol-related road traffic injury is unevenly distributed. It is more concentrated in the Baltics, Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The proportion of road traffic deaths attributable to alcohol varies with age and sex, for example, in Western Europe countries in males as 50% in age 30–44 and 46% in age 15–29 years; in females 25% and 18% respectively. The blood alcohol concentration limit ranged from 0 to 0.8 g/l. Most countries (95%) reported a national policy for road safety and implemented interventions to prevent alcohol-related road traffic injuries: 39% of the countries had increased the minimum legal drinking age, 73% applied sobriety checkpoints, 89% enforced laws on blood alcohol concentration limit but only 22% had lower limits for novice drivers. As part of their overall policies to control alcohol-related harm, 89% of countries implemented interventions consisting of fiscal and legal measures and 33% had health sector based interventions. Enforcement was reported as satisfactory in 31%.

Significance

This paper shows that whereas most countries have policies for alcohol-related road crashes, many need to strive for better implementation. More reliable data and research on sustainable enforcement are needed.
EFFECT OF DRUG TESTING PROGRAMMES ON INJURY RATE AND SEVERITY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
Authors: Schofield K , Alexander B , Gerberich S , Ryan A
Published: October 2012

Background

Construction work is hazardous and workers consistently rank in the top of all occupations and industries for illicit drug and heavy alcohol use.

Objective

Determine the associations between active company drug testing programmes, injury rate, and severity.

Methods

We evaluated workers' compensation claims data covering 1360 construction companies from 2004 to 2009. Presence of a testing programme was obtained from the compensation carrier. Hours at-risk and injury claims were used to determine injury rates. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% CI were estimated as a function of injury rate using a Poisson regression model and accounting for time dependent factors. Generalised estimating equations are used to account for correlated observations within companies over time. Models include confounding covariates of company size, union status, and trade. Drug testing programmes were classified into two categories: pre-employment and post-accident OR pre-employment, post-accident, random, and suspicion testing.

Results

Compared to no testing, results respectively were RR=0.85 (CI 0.72 to 1.0) and RR=0.97 (CI 0.86 to 1.10) for overall injuries, and RR=0.78 (CI 0.60 to 1.03) and RR=1.01 (CI 0.86 to 1.19) for lost-time injuries. Analysis by specific trades revealed significant reductions, as great as 60% for some trades. Significantly lower rates were seen in both union and non-union companies with testing programmes. Major injury event and injury type categories also had lower rates when testing programmes were used.

Significance/Contributions

Our results indicate drug testing programmes may reduce injury rates in this population; however effects very on multiple factors. Programmes may be a potential solution to reducing injury burden to workers in a high risk population.
BICYCLISTS HELMET USE IN A FRENCH CITY. RESULTS FROM A FOLLOW-UP STUDY USING A SEMI-AUTOMATED VIDEO DETECTION SYSTEM
Authors: Lagarde E , Salmi L-R , Messiah A , Felonneau M-L , Constant A
Published: October 2012

Background

While helmet use is likely to provide protection, their use remains rare in France and determinants are poorly understood.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We aimed at assessing the impact of helmet provision on helmet use and at understanding facilitating factors and obstacles.

Methods

Participants were non helmet users recruited at a bicycle loan facility in Bordeaux, France. After completing a questionnaire investigating their attitudes towards road safety and helmet use, participants were randomly assigned to three groups with the provision of ‘helmet only’, ‘helmet and information’ or ‘information only’, and to a fourth control group. Bikes were labelled with a colour code designed to enable observation of helmet use by participants while cycling, using a 7-spot semi-automatic video system located in the city.

Results/Outcomes

A total of 1557 participants were included in the study. The likelihood of observed helmet use was significantly increased among participants of the ‘helmet only’ group (OR=7.73 (2.09 to 28.5)) but this impact faded within 6 months following the intervention. No effect of information delivery was found. The main factor leading to increased helmet use was peer pressure. Observed speed was not different between helmeted and non helmeted riders.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Providing a helmet will not be sufficient to achieve high rates of helmet wearing among adult cyclists in France. Integrated and repeated prevention programmes will be needed, including strategies to increase peer and parental pressure. The protecting effect of helmet is unlikely to be jeopardised by higher risky behaviours.
CANNABIS AND TRAFFIC COLLISIONS: FINDINGS FROM A CASE CROSSOVER STUDY OF PATIENTS PRESENTING TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN TWO CANADIAN CITIES
Authors: Asbridge M , Rehm J , Mann R , Cusimano M
Published: October 2012

Background

Limited epidemiological data exist on the role of cannabis in traffic collisions, and existing research has employed designs that have been weak in several respects (measurement, control group, confounders). Our study addresses these limitations.

Objectives

(1) To determine the prevalence of cannabis use in drivers presenting to hospital following a traffic collision; (2) To determine if cannabis use leads to an increased collision risk.

Methods

Participants were drivers presenting to emergency departments in Toronto and Halifax with an injury due to a traffic collision, between April 2009 and July 2011. Drivers were interviewed about the collision event and substance use. A case-crossover design was employed with a fixed control condition measuring substance use retrospectively for the same comparable time interval in the preceding week. Blood samples were tested for cannabis, alcohol, and other drugs, with examination of active THC metabolites through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Of 864 eligible driver, self-report and blood samples found that 95 (11%) used cannabis prior to driving. Among those who provided blood, 73 of 368 drivers (19.8%) tested positive for cannabis (+ >0.2 ng/ml active THC metabolites), indicating pre-collision use. Conditional fixed effects models indicate that cannabis use increased the odds of a crash by 5.17 (CI 2.78 to 9.58). Sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Significance

Nearly one in five collision-involved drivers who provided blood was impaired by cannabis, a higher rate than found in previous studies. Cannabis was also shown to dramatically increase collision risk, and trend that has been confirmed in recent mFeta analyses.
MORTALITY AND NON-FATAL SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE 20 YEARS AFTER A MEDICALLY SERIOUS SUICIDE ATTEMPT
Authors: Beautrais AL , Larkin GL , Fergusson DM , Horwood LJ , Mulder RT
Published: October 2012

Background

To document rates of mortality from all causes, and rates of further non-fatal suicidal behaviour requiring hospital admission, in the 20 years following a medically serious suicide attempt (MSSA), in a consecutive sample of 302 individuals (mean age 30 years at the time of the index MSSA).

Aims

The overall goal of this study is to inform treatment and management options for suicidal patients in order to minimise subsequent risk of fatal and nonfatal suicidal behaviour.

Methods

Dates of death, and all sources of mortality, were examined by checks against records contained within the national mortality database. For those who died by suicide and by accidental death, causes of death were confirmed by review of records from coronial inquests. Morbidity data for further suicide attempts requiring hospital admission were obtained by checks of the national hospital admissions database.

Results

Within 5  years of a medically serious suicide attempt, 8.9% of the sample had died, 75% by suicide or suspected suicide. Within 10 years, 14.2% had died. By 20 years, one in four was dead.

Significance

To our knowledge this is the longest follow up study of people who have made medically serious suicide attempts. Subsequent risks of mortality, and of further non-fatal suicidal behaviour are high and enduring and approach those of some chronic physical illnesses. Long term treatment and management programmes are warranted.
SUICIDE-RELATED MORTALITY IN VIETNAM IN 2005–2010
Authors: Tran TNL , Nguyen TTH , Luong MA , Do TD , Khieu TQT
Published: October 2012

Background

Suicide has become one of leading causes of injury in the world and in Vietnam.

Objectives

To assess the current status of suicide mortality in Vietnam in 2005–2010.

Methods

All causes- specific -mortality from A6-YTCS book in all communes/awards in 63 provinces were collected, entered and suicide analysed annually.

Results

Research results showed that during 2005–2010 mortality due to injury accounted for 10–12% of the total deaths from all causes, in which suicide was the third cause after road traffic injuries and drowning. There were approximate 3500 cases per year. In 2010, it increased to 4043 cases. Average rate of deaths due to suicide was 4.81/100 000 population per year and ranged from 5 to 4.58. In 2010, the average rate of deaths due to suicide among male (6.4/100 000) was two times higher than female (3.2/100 000).

Significance

The research described a great number of relatively comprehensive results on mortality related suicide in Vietnam. In further time, more research should be done to have more information on the risk factors and the directly cause of suicide situation in Vietnam. That will be effectively to develop in intervention programme to deal with it.
DRIVERS OF CHANGE IN AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Lower T , Temperley J
Published: October 2012

Background

Improvements in health and safety are required to ensure injury rates in Australian agriculture are comparable to other sectors like mining. Identifying key health and safety drivers in the best performing commodity sectors has implications for other areas of agriculture.

Aim

This study aimed to measure commodity sector performance against existing benchmarks and to define variations.

Methods

Data from 683 farming enterprises were drawn from a nationally stratified random sample representing seven commodity sectors. A benchmark survey was used covering existing health and safety systems, plus controls of known hazards.

Results

There are low levels of implementation for farm health and safety plans, induction for new workers and contractors. Improvements to control major safety hazards are required for farm machinery and implements, farm vehicles, reducing exposure of children to hazards and the use of helmets when riding quad bikes, motorbikes and horses. Considerable variations between sectors exist, with horticulture, cotton and dairy being the best performers. These sectors had embedded health and safety into other quality assurance requirements around food safety and/or environmental considerations.

Significance

This study identifies major variations in compliance by commodity sectors in Australia. The major drivers for improvements were outside the typical health and safety domain. Health and safety improvements can best be attained when linked to issues around production and profitability.
IMPACT OF WELLNESS PROGRAMME TO EMPLOYEE HEALTH
Authors: Lilic E
Published: October 2012

Background

The BNZ MyWellBeing Programme was developed as a response to an increasing number of health issues in the population, particularly associated with chronic illnesses and sedentary work.

Aim

To stimulate employees to proactively manage their health risks, provide tools to modify personal lifestyle behaviour and to mitigate identified health risks for the future.

Methods

Organisation wide ‘On-line Health Questionnaire’ survey covering 11 health areas; Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, Smoking, Weight, Average Body Mass Index (BMI), Activity, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Eating Habits, Stress Management and Work Related Stress. Following the identification of the health risks, a targeted programme was developed including workshops and a customised web site to deliver individual awareness and health information to employees and their families. Development of a supporting programme also included sporting events, nutrition guidance, health articles and themes, physical and intellectual challenges, etc.

Results

Health data indicated reduction in smokers (12.1% FY07 to 9.2% FY11), poor cholesterol levels (17.1–7.1%), poor blood pressure (13.4–9.5%) as well as observed improvement in activity levels and healthier eating habits. Very good outcomes were evident through a reduction in the FTE sick days (Average Sick Leave per FTE—5.73 FY08 to 4.86 FY11) and an improved employee engagement score (68% FY09 to 76% FY11).

Significance

An organised, long term, integrated wellness programmes contributed to the improved health and wellbeing in the BNZ workforce.
PASSPORT TO SAFETY—FROM CANADA TO AUSTRALIA
Authors: Brotherton M
Published: October 2012

Background

South Australian workers compensation data shows that young workers are 1.5 times more likely to be injured in the workplace and that more than 70 percent of injuries happen in the first year of employment. There is currently no minimum standard for teaching Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) in SA. Canadian development of thePassport to Safetyprogramme focussing on WHS education provided the impetus for a multi-partner working group to be established in SA in September 2004.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Young workers learn about their rights and responsibilities around WHS before entering the workplace for the first time and see and hear stories from their peers. There is a minimum standard of WHS training for students about to undertake work experience and/or work placement.

Methods

Teachers and students took part in pre and post programme surveys regarding their WHS knowledge and a number of focus groups discussed how young people want to receive WHS information.

Results/Outcome

Students who took part in the survey had an average increase in knowledge of 22 percent, with Teachers averaging a 19 percent increase. Workers compensation data indicates a reduction in young worker claims from 6044 in 2005/2006 to 4268 in 2009/2010.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Young workers are the political leaders, business owners and managers of the future by educating and engaging them in workplace safety we can create a generational change.
ON ROAD RIDING PRACTICES AMONG ELECTRIC BIKERS IN SUZHOU
Authors: Yang J , Du W , Powis B , Hu Y , Wu M
Published: October 2012

Background

There are 120 million electric bikes (E-bike) registered in China by 2011, however, E-bikers' riding practices are poorly characterised and few direct observational studies have been performed.

Objectives

This study aims to describe on road riding practices among E-bikers and to investigate factors influencing these practices.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at 14 randomly selected intersections in Suzhou during a 7-day period in March 2012. A pro-forma observation checklist was used to collect data related to on road riding practice. Adjusted OR and 95% CI to assess the likelihood of specific riding practices among some E-bikers compared with the others were evaluated using multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Among 18 048 E-bikers observed, 35.9% rode E-bikes with cycling pedals and 85.7% E-bikes were registered. The overall prevalence of carrying passengers, riding on motor vehicle lanes, running red lights, riding in opposite ways, mobile phone use, and helmet use were 13.0% (95% CI 11.9 to 14.1%), 1.8% (95% CI 1.4 to 2.2%), 10.2% (95% CI 9.2 to 11.1%), 6.2% (95% CI 5.5 to 7.0%), 0.4% (95% CI 0.2 to 10.5%), 10.1% (95% CI 9.1 to 11.0%) respectively. Male gender was associated with increased helmet use (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) and riding on motor vehicle lanes (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.1); whereas riding a registered E-bikes reduced the likelihood of carrying passengers (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.4).

Significance

This study demonstrates poor on road safety practices among E-bikers in China and relates these to driver restraint use. These findings support the need for sustainable safety programmes integrating road design and behaviour interventions to make roads safer for E-bikers in China.
PREDICTING WORK-RELATED DISABILITY AND MEDICAL COST OUTCOMES: A COMPARISON OF INJURY SEVERITY SCORES AND SCORING METHODS
Authors: Blanar L , Sears JM , Bowman SM
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury severity scores were developed in part to predict mortality, but may also prove useful in predicting disability and cost-related outcomes.

Aims/Objectives/Purposed

The objectives were (1) to describe the degree to which injury severity predicts work-related disability and medical cost outcomes, and (2) to compare the performance of several injury severity scores and scoring methods.

Methods

We linked Washington State Trauma Registry (WTR) data with long-term outcomes from workers' compensation claims (1998–2008), finding 6052 work-related injuries. Injury severity scores (ISS, NISS, maximum AIS) were estimated from ICD-9-CM codes using two software packages (ICDMAP-90 and -icdpic-), and compared with existing WTR scores. Differences in the Akaike Information Criterion, amount of variance explained (R2) and estimated effects on outcomes were compared. Competing risks survival analysis was used to evaluate work disability outcomes. Adjusted total medical costs were modelled using linear regression.

Results/Outcome

There was substantial agreement between WTR and ICDMAP-90 (κ=0.73), and between WTR and ICDPIC (κ=0.68). All models were highly significant. Costs and duration of compensated time loss increased with severity, while time to total permanent disability (TPD) determination decreased. WTR and ICDMAP-90 scores performed better than ICDPIC scores, but effect estimates were very similar. The worst injury (maxAIS) was a better predictor of TPD, while ISS/NISS were better predictors of compensated time loss duration and costs.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Injury severity was significantly associated with work disability and medical cost outcomes for work-related injuries. We observed little practical difference between scoring methods. Using existing software to estimate injury severity may be useful for intervention/outcomes research.
SAFE COMMUNITY EVALUATION IN TERMS OF CHILD SAFETY
Authors: Hashemi E , Mohammadi R , Soares J
Published: October 2012

Background

Evaluation of child safety in designated SC is still a neglected indicator.

Aims

The purpose was to introduce a comprehensive model to conduct SC evaluation in terms of child safety.

Methods

Applications of designated SC with emphasis on child safety were reviewed. Besides, Pubmed and Embase were searched to find scientific articles of child safety evaluation.

Results

Key ways of child safety evaluation can be summed up as follows: In order to evaluate the impact of SC on child safety, quasi experimental study with emphasis on safe home, school, street, sport place and other environments is conducted to compare SC and control community at designation and re-designation time. When it comes to do outcome evaluation, in another quasi experimental study, incidence, severity and burden of child injuries are assessed in SC and control community by four household surveys where there is no data registry. Besides WHO and CDC questionnaires, delphi technique is an useful alternative to prepare questionnaires.

Contribution to the Field

Importance of child safety among growing number of SC has given rise to the necessity of a practical method for child safety evaluation in SCs.
THE IMPACT OF SAFE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES ON HELMET WEARING RATE AND MOTORCYCLISTS' DEATH IN 14 CITES OF IRAN
Authors: Moghisi AR , Mohammadi R , Svanstrom L
Published: October 2012

Background

Motorcycles' riders have the highest public health burden. Since helmet reduces the risk of death by 42% to 69% it seems that the main contributing factors is improper helmet usage by motorcyclists.

Objective

To determine the impact of safe community programme on motorcyclists' death and to the KAP of motorcyclists about helmet usage in WHO Safe Community model in Iran.

Methods

At the first step motorcyclists' fatality data of 14 cities were extracted from the data bank in forensic medicine department, hospital records and death registry during 2006–2007. The second step was a cross sectional study on 10% of motorcyclists. Data were collected by interviewing and observing the motorcyclists' knowledge, attitude and behaviour independently. ANOVA method used to testing for comparison of safe community with none safe community.

Results

In Khorasan province the highest death rate was reported from the Torbat-e-hydarieh city (None Safe community) and the lowest from Bardscan and kashmar cities (Safe community).Other two provinces (Busher, Fars) showed no differences between the two settings in terms of motorcyclists' death rate. No effect was detected in any of the three provinces on Knowledge, Attitude and practice of motorcyclists towards helmet usage. In spite of owning a helmet by 97% of participants the rate for helmet usage was only 13%. ‘Embarrassing, disturbing, heat generation, sight and hearing blockage were the main excused made by the motorcyclists for not wearing helmet’.

Significance

This study stresses on mandatory helmet law enforcement along with public education as the most effective ways to raise helmet usage.
PRECISE—A MODEL OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN INJURY PREVENTION IN BANGLADESH—IMPLICATION FOR OTHER LOW INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Baset MK , Mashreky SR , Rahman A , Hossain MJ , Rahman AKMF , Towner E
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Community participation is an important component of a community based health intervention especially in designing, implementing and sustainability issues. A model of community participation was developed and practiced in the PRECISE (Prevention of Child Injury through Social Intervention) project in Bangladesh.

Objective

To describe the process of development and role of community groups in a child injury prevention project in Bangladesh.

Methods

Community participation was identified as one of the guiding principle in PRECISE. Villages were identified as units for developing a community groups. Prior to developing groups, 80–100 enthusiastic villagers were invited in a meeting; magnitude and consequences of injury and prevention issues were discussed. Discussion took place how the community people can contribute in injury prevention. After that a 7–10 members Village injury Prevention committee (VIPC) was formed by the community people, with active volunteers taking part.

Results

389 Village Injury Prevention Committee (VIPCs) were formed and each committee has 30% female representatives. Committee members meet every month to review the previous month's implementation status of injury prevention initiatives in their village. Individual and group responsibilities are identified and plans of action developed accordingly. PRECISE has a regular programme for capacity development of the members. Innovative examples of preventive interventions will be discussed and how training for capacity development has developed.

Conclusions

PRECISE has developed VIPCs as an effective component of the child injury prevention programme, with community participation actively supported and encouraged.