bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using mixed methods research to develop an emergency department-based youth violence secondary intervention
Authors: Snider C , Nathens A
Published: March 2011

Violence is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among youth worldwide. Using mixed methods is essential to understanding the complexity of addressing youth violence. Emergency Department (ED)-based interventions that target a high risk group are ideal because victims of violence are more likely to become repeat victims of violence. We used mixed methods research to develop an ED-based youth violence secondary intervention in Toronto, Canada. To determine where best to link the patient and program, we conducted quantitative studies using the population-based National Ambulatory Care Reporting System. Our first study demonstrated that focusing on admitted patients would miss most opportunities for intervention. Our second study examined the type of ED that would be most appropriate. While most efforts at secondary violence prevention target patients cared for at designated trauma centres, our work suggests that opportunities are greater outside these centres. We then performed a systematic review of ED-based youth violence secondary prevention programs. Finally, to ensure the best design of the intervention and to build important partnerships, we engaged in community-based participatory research with over 100 youth, parents and youth violence community workers. Using concept mapping we worked with community partners to develop a program that will link youth who visit the ED with injuries due to violence with community youth violence interventions. We will discuss the results of the above studies and share preliminary results from the pilot project of the ED-based youth violence intervention planned for the summer of 2010.
A functional data analysis approach for modelling and predicting injury incidence rates: An application to falls
Authors: Ullah S , Finch C F
Published: March 2011

To date, much falls epidemiology data describing the magnitude of, and trends in, the problem has largely been descriptive in nature. It is important that good statistical models are used to generate accurate and reliable information about predicted future injury rates to inform public health investment decisions. It is critical, therefore, that such predictions are derived using the best available statistical models to minimise possible errors in the forecast. Functional data analysis (FDA) approaches have been developed to improve long-term predictions but are yet to be widely applied to injury epidemiology or the analysis of injury trend data. Using the specific example of modelling age-specific annual incidence of fall-related severe head injuries of older people during 1970–2004 and predicting rates up to 2024 in Finland, this talk will explain the principles behind FDA and demonstrate their superiority over the more commonly reported Poisson and negative binomial modelling approaches in terms of prediction accuracy. Application of the FDA approach to this data shows that the incidence of fall-related severe head injuries in Finland would increase by 2.3–2.6 fold by 2024, compared to 2004. The FDA predictions have 43% and 30% less prediction error than Poisson and negative binomial predictions, respectively, when compared to actual trend data. In summary, FDA provides more accurate predictions of long-term incidence trends than commonly used methods. The production of FDA prediction intervals for future injury incidence rates gives likely guidance as to the likely accuracy of these predictions.
Cost differentials between standard and non-standard motorcycle helmet in Mexico
Authors: Hidalgo E , Inclan M C , Hijar M
Published: March 2011

Objective

To identify the cost ratio of standard and non-standard helmets sold in retail shops in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Method

A survey was performed using a convenience sampling taken from 10 retail shops. The data was collected in a questionnaire applied by a single interviewer during February 2009, exploring the maximum and minimum cost prices (in local currency) of standard and non-standard helmets provided by the vendors. Data analysis included descriptive statistics.

Results

60% of the retail shops sold standard helmets. Almost half of the shops sold standard helmets; being the largest difference of nearly US $851 between the cheapest and the most expensive standard helmet. The average cost of the most common sold standard helmet was US $124. Thus, showing great costs variations: the cheapest of US $43 and the most expensive standard helmet of US $923. 100% of the retail shops sold non-standard helmets with more homogeneous costs.

Conclusions

The study suggests that Mexican Motorcycle users tend not to pay attention to the quality of the product, and generally lack interest in the standardised elements. This behaviour is influence by the high costs, lack of information on security and risk factors associated to traffic accidents, and most importantly, due to the lack of law enforcement. An important finding was the non-existence of the term standard in any Mexican legislation related with the matter, as much as with the fact that some of the non-standard helmets are aesthetically similar to the standard helmets.
Exposure to risk in recreational power boating, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cassell E , Ashby K
Published: March 2011

Exposure data, measured in vessel and person trips and vessel and person on-water hours, were collected prospectively in quarterly sample surveys of 1600 power recreational vessel owners in the year ended 30 September 2009 (a 1% sample of registered vessels). The response rate was 49%. Over the year, vessels took an estimated 913 002 trips and 2.21 million person trips (6.0 trips and 14.6 person trips per vessel) and spent 5.68 million h and 14.26 million person-h on the water (37.5 h and 91.4 person h per vessel). Open boats comprised 71% of vessels and accounted for less trips and person trips (62%) than expected given their representation on the Vessel Register and only half of all on-water vessel and person hours. By contrast, full cabin cruisers comprised 4% of registered vessels, accounted for 6% and 8% of all vessel and person trips, respectively, and 13% and 18% of all vessel and person on-water hours, respectively. The proportion of total exposure on each measure was above expectations for half cabin cruisers, trailer sailers and yachts and below expectations for PWC. Fishing was the most popular activity, accounting for most trips (70%), person trips (61%), on-water vessel hours (66%) and person hours (57%) followed by pleasure cruising (16%, 17%, 20% and 19%) towed water sports (9%, 16%, 7%, 12%) and racing (1%, 2%, 2%, 2%). These data will form the denominator to estimate marine incident and injury rates.
In the United States, sexual violence costs more than drunk driving
Authors: Miller T R , Taylor D M , Sheppard M
Published: March 2011

We estimated costs of sexual violence in selected states and are making a national estimate. Cost categories include medical care, mental healthcare, victim services, foster care, police services, perpetrator treatment, adjudication, sanctioning and victim loss of wages and quality of life. Quality of life losses were estimated from lawsuits against third parties who failed to secure and illuminate their premises or served alcohol to an already-intoxicated person prior to an assault. We estimated probabilities and costs of sexually transmitted illnesses, unplanned pregnancies and (based on studies of twins) of youth victimisation causing suicide acts or substance abuse. Unit costs came from crime surveys, healthcare data, state sanctioning budgets, and published literature. In 2005, for example, 61 000 Minnesota residents were sexually assaulted, suffering an average of 1.26 assaults per victim. Police logged 7200 reports of unwanted sexual intercourse, but only 2617 met the law enforcement definition of rape. Consequently, most police-reported rapes were omitted from state rape statistics. (Michigan's definition created less undercounting.) Sexual violence costs 3.3 times as much as alcohol-impaired driving in Minnesota. Costs totalled $8 billion in 2005, or $1540 per resident. Quality of life losses of victims and their families and related breakdowns in their lives and relationships wee the largest costs. Criminal justice and perpetrator treatment cost $130 million. Other direct spending totalled $1.3 billion. State government spent $130 million on sexual violence perpetrators and $90 million on victims. More resources are needed for sexual assault prevention and victim assistance. Our methods are replicable.
Teachers opinions, beliefs and attitudes regarding accidents and their prevention
Authors: Ungaro J F , De Hoyos G H , Enders J
Published: March 2011

Objectives

(1) to describe the opinions and beliefs among teachers of educational units in Argentina regarding (a) injuries as a health problem; b) Accidents characteristics, their prevention and causal attribution c) Schools` role in the prevention (2) to explore their attitudes regarding the feasibility the school involvement in prevention programs.

Material and methods

Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. 322 educational units took part of the study and 3752 completed questionnaires were obtained. Answer categories were defined by contents analysis. Factorial analysis of multiple correspondences and mixed classification were then carried out. From these results a second survey was designed and administered to 2100 teachers from 350 schools. A typology of their answers was obtained from a new multidimensional analysis. The typical expressions of each class were identified by contents analyses.

Results

Only a small minority (2%) of the participants identifies injuries as a problem. According to their opinions and beliefs, four different groups according to their opinions and beliefs were identified: (1) those who agree that accidents are preventable events; (2) those who see them as unpreventable situations given sociocultural factors; (3) those who sustain a deterministic conception; and (4) those who support a fortuitous, casual view.

Discussion and Conclusions

Ignorance regarding the problems magnitude and teachers` beliefs and opinions about accidents nature could endanger education effectiveness and preventive programs success. A deep analysis of the problem by educational staff is required in order to change attitudes.
Childhood fall, a major cause of morbidity and disability: epidemiological findings from the largest population based survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury S M , Rahman A , Mashreky S R , Giashuddin S , Svanström L , Horte L G , Linnan M , Shafinaz S , Uhaa L J , Rahman A K M Fazlur
Published: March 2011

Childhood falls and their complications are a serious public health concern worldwide. However, very few programs have been developed to address the problem because of the lack of convincing data, especially in developing countries. Our study aimed at exploring the magnitude and associated factors of the childhood fall in Bangladesh.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2003 (January to December) in 12 randomly selected districts and Dhaka Metropolitan City of Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171 366 households comprising 351 651 children of below 18 years of age. Information includes the number of deaths and illness at the household in the preceding year. Verbal autopsy and verbal diagnosis form was used to determine the cause of mortality and morbidity respectively.

Results

Fall was the fourth leading cause of morbidity after infancy and the leading cause of morbidity among 5–9 years age group. The incidence of childhood fall was significantly higher among boys than in girls (642.8 vs 298.2 per 100 000 children year). Rural children (594.7 per 100 000 children-years) were the most vulnerable group, whereas home and its premises were found as the most common place for the incidence. Fall (28.9%) was the leading cause of injury-related permanent disability.

Conclusion

The result of the study could provide insight to policymakers for future action on one of the leading causes of morbidity and disability among children in Bangladesh and possibly in other developing countries.
The current state of road safety legislation in the region of the Americas
Authors: Incln-Valadez C , Péez-Núnez R , Hijar-Medina M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The legislation over main of the road traffic injury risk factors and its accurate applicability is essential for developing an integral culture of road safety. The analysis of the level of progression in the law enforcement allows evaluating the state of world regions in a positive and realistic way, highlighting their assets and gaps.

Objective

To analyse the level of progression of road safety legislation in the region of the Americas.

Methodology

A secondary analysis of the 2008-Global status report on road safety survey was undertaken to evaluate legislation on five risk factors (speed management, drinking and driving, motorcycle helmet use, use of seatbelt and use of child restrains) in the Americas. Laws were classified depending on their level of progression: existence of legislation, existence of adequate legislation, law enforcement ≤6 (on a scale of 0–10) and comprehensive law.

Results

The totality of the countries has national or sub-national legislations in at least one of the five risk factors. However, a reduced 66% have laws on the five risk factors, and none of them have comprehensive laws in all five risk factors. The use of helmet appears as the most extended enforced legislation, while the use of child restrains the least one. When comparing subregions, the panorama is highly differentiated.

Conclusions

The region of the Americas stands in different moments of progression. Improvement in law enforcement is still needed in the region although there are positive efforts that should be recognised particularly in terms of the existence of legislation over the five risk factors studied. Laws should be based on evidence on what is already known to be more effective.
A pilot trial of all-terrain vehicle safety messaging in a movie theatre
Authors: Graham J , Mullins S Hope , Miller B , Nixon J , Eoff S , Brann M , Aitken M E
Published: March 2011

Introduction

All terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries are increasing among rural children and adolescents. Methods to effectively promote ATV safety messages are not well described. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a movie theatre as a venue for ATV injury prevention.

Methods

A public service announcement on ATV safety was shown in a rural movie theatre in Arkansas, USA, for a period of 8 weeks in the summer, 2009. Patrons were asked to complete exit surveys by trained volunteers. The survey tested the recall of messages in the movie previews, including the ATV announcement. χ2was used to determine statistical significance.

Results

703 movie patrons completed the survey; 508 reported arriving in the theatre before the previews started and 195 reported arriving after the previews. Of those arriving before the previews, 75% recalled an ATV safety message versus. 23% of those who arrived after the previews (p<0.0001). More patrons remembered the ATV announcement than an advertisement for a popular soft drink (75% vs 58%, p<0.0001). More patrons arriving before the previews reported agreeing with the safety message than those arriving after previews (90% vs 75%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This trial demonstrated that an ATV safety message shown in a rural movie theatre is associated with rates of recall higher than commercial advertising shown in the same preview and is associated with high rates of agreement with the primary safety message. This strategy may be effective in spreading injury prevention messages.
Strengthening State Health Department Injury and Violence Prevention Programs a look at a decade of State Technical Assessment Team Visits
Authors: Scarpetta L , Williams A , Schmidt E , Fowler C
Published: March 2011

In 2000, the Safe States Alliance (formerly the State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors Association (STIPDA)) began the State Technical Assessment Team (STAT) Program to support the development, implementation and evaluation of injury and violence prevention efforts at shoulder dystocia (SHD) by conducting an on-site, point-in-time assessment of the injury prevention program with recommendations for improvement. To date, the Safe States Alliance has conducted 30 visits. The STAT Program focuses on five core components representing the current understanding about creating and sustaining effective state health department injury and violence prevention programs. Standards and indicators for each core component describe the conditions that should exist within an ideal SHD injury and violence prevention program. Findings suggest that the STAT process is rewarding and valuable for both the visited injury programs and the assessment team including raising the visibility of injury as a public health problem within the health department, validating positive existing efforts, bringing attention to critical issues, and providing the impetus for strategic planning. State injury prevention directors also credit STAT with positive outcomes for their programs such as: new staff positions, enhanced support from state level policy-makers; the formation or strengthening of community coalitions; access to new funding sources; and stronger grant applications for core capacity funding. Additionally, the Safe States Alliance will share findings from formative, process and impact evaluations as well as trends in recommendations given to states over 10 years of implementation and next steps for program development.
Drink or drunk: why do staff members at licensed premises continue to serve patrons to intoxication despite current laws and interventions?
Authors: Costello D , Robertson A J
Published: March 2011

Background

Alcohol is a major contributing cause of violence in Australia. Injury and damage from excessive alcohol consumption on single occurrences have been shown to generally cause more problems than long term alcohol dependence. In particular, licensed premises have been identified as locations that are especially high risk for alcohol-related intoxication and problem behaviours such as aggression and violence. Research carried out byInjury Control Council of Western Australiaon community violence among young people indicated that perpetrators of violence regard the practice of serving to intoxication at licensed premises as a major contributing factor to violence.

Aims

The drink or drunk project has been funded through the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund. The project examines why staff at licensed premises continue to serve to intoxication despite current laws and interventions. The objectives of the study are to better understand why staff continue to serve to intoxication, examine factors that increase the probability of staff serving to intoxication and to identify new strategies to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

Methods

This project collected data from those with experience in working in licensed premises across both metropolitan and rural locations. Data was mostly collected through written, telephone and online surveys. The data has been analysed and the final report has recently been submitted to the funding agency.

Discussion

It is envisaged that the findings and recommendations will play a key role in informing both enforcement and management practices around licensed venues, in order to make them safer places for staff and patrons.
Downward trend in hip fracture rates in persons aged 65 years and older, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cassell E , Clapperton A
Published: March 2011

Aim

Examine the trend in fall-related hip fracture hospital admission rates among Victorian seniors aged 65 years and older over the decade 1998/9 to 2007/2008.

Method Data Source

Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED) General case inclusion criteria:

Age 65 years and older

First (left-most) external cause code indicates a fall (W01-W19) AND Primary Diagnosis is injury or poisoning

Cases transferred from another acute care hospital and deaths in hospital were excluded

Analysis

Rates were age-adjusted and trends were determined using a log-linear regression model of the rate data assuming a Poisson distribution of cases.

Results

Over the decade 1998/1999 to 2007/2008:

falls increased by an estimated 22.5%

hip fractures decreased by an estimated 23.4%

all fractures showed a non-significant downward trend

fractures excluding the hip increased significantly by 12%

pelvic fractures increased significantly by 12% * open wounds (57%), superficial injury (25%), dislocations, sprains, strains (24%) and intracranial injury (106%) all increased significantly.

Discussion

The observed decrease in the hip fracture is a welcome development, but caution should be exercised when interpreting/using this finding as it requires further investigation and confirmation. There is some confirmatory evidence from New South Wales, New Zealand and elsewhere where reports indicate that hip fracture hospitalisation rates for persons aged 65 years and over have stabilised, or decreased slightly in some age or gender groups, through the 1990s (Boufouset al, 2004; Fieldenet al, 2001) .
Methodology in an ecological framework: hearing parents voices on child home safety
Authors: Simpson J , Fougere G , McGee R , Jaye C
Published: March 2011

Measuring mortality, morbidity or controllable hazards, and determining risk factors are crucial starting points for developing interventions for child home injury. For programmes to work effectively however, an analysis of the contextual and personal interactions that operate in the home environment is also important. Preventing child injury at home is more than the implementation of a series of interventions, it is about safety management including coping with conflicting behaviours and beliefs, interactions between people and a dynamic environment. Primary carers, usually the parents, are key stakeholders in child safety and their perceptions, beliefs and actions are critical for safety management at home to be effective. Most parents want to keep their children safe, but unlike those who analyse at the population level, they work at a personal level that brings very different, but very valid, perspectives to the problem. Hearing the experiences, knowledge and opinions of these key practitioners regarding what influenced their safety management for young children is vital for the design, development and delivery of effective programmes to reduce home injury to young children. How to do so has been approached in various ways. This qualitative study undertook a series of in-depth interviews. This presentation describes and discusses methodological and practical aspects of developing the study, considerations in choosing methods for obtaining robust qualitative data and undertaking analyses, and issues that emerged with drawing conclusions for the design, development and delivery of prevention programmes.
Mass casualty incidents – evolution of management plan in a tertiary care hospital using post event analysis
Authors: Sayyed R , Zafar H , Effendi M S
Published: March 2011

A mass casualty incident (MCI) is a challenging scenario in any healthcare setting. It puts to test the potential of a healthcare facility to perform under stress and manage utilisation of all available resources in a limited time. Over the last few years, Pakistan has been the site for many MCI secondary to terrorist bombings. The Aga Khan University Hospital having evolved as a major trauma centre of Karachi has dealt with a few of such MCI. We have reviewed four MCI over the last few years in which our hospital received patients. These incidents involved the French bombing in 2002, Hyderi Mosque Blast in 2004, Karsaz Bombing in 2007 and the most recent Ashura Procession Bombing in December 2009. Some of these events were a result of suicide bombing. We attempt to look at the injury patterns of each event and the way these incidents were dealt at our institution and in doing so examine our evolution in the management of MCI. Recommendations based on deficiencies in management and limitations felt are addressed. We infer that comparison of the four events will help our institution formulate a better plan to deal with future MCI and suggest a similar review for such incidents.
Activity in Safe Community Třebon
Authors: Lavickova M
Published: March 2011

In November 2009 the town Třeboň was designated as the third Safe Community in the Czech Republic. The activity int he field of injury prevention and safety promotion has started in Třeboň in 2004. During this time period many useful tools, policies, projects and safe equipment were created. There are also preparing new strategies for effective injury control and prevention in the town. The poster represents the achievements and original approach in injury prevention from the perspective of being a medium size town with functioning multi-disciplinary professional group responsible for injury prevention and safety promotion. Activity with risk groups and injury remarkable groups (concerning all ages and environments) are stressed. There are also displayed statistic and demographic data. There is an endeavour to share the experience and to show a possible way in making a community safer.
Transport injury and road safety behaviours in a Thai national adult cohort
Authors: Stephan K , Kelly M , McClure R , Seubsman S , Yiengprugsawan V , Bain C , Sleigh A
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To determine the baseline frequency and distribution of transport injury and prevalence of road safety behaviours in an ongoing cohort study of Thai adults.

Methods

The Thai Health-Risk Transition Study includes an ongoing cohort study of 87 134 adult Open University students residing across Thailand. The baseline survey data collected in 2005 includes information on self-reported transport injury within the previous 12 months and demographic, behavioural and transportation factors that could be linked to Thailand's transport risks. Findings Overall, 7279 (8.4%) of respondents reported experiencing a transport related injury in the previous 12 months, with risk being higher for males and those aged 15–19 years. Most of the injuries occurred while using motorcycles. Approximately half of the male drivers reported driving after three or more glasses of alcohol at least once in the previous year, compared to 10% of female drivers. The prevalence of motorcycle helmet wearing and seat belt wearing were higher than previously reported for Thailand, however there is still much room for improvement.

Conclusions

We found much higher rates of transport injury than previously estimated and revealed valuable information about the prevalence of various road safety behaviours. Our ongoing study provides an opportunity to monitor these risks and behaviours in the context of future road safety programs. These data make a valuable contribution to the available evidence from which Thai authorities can draw on to address transport injury, one of the major causes of individual and social burden of health.
A 12 months audit of burns admitted to one surgical unit at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mtonga R E
Published: March 2011

Burns occasioned by open flames and hot fluids affecting all ages, gender and socio-economic classes are commonly seen at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

The outcome of burns management is a function of the standard of care and host factors in the victims.

Internal causes of mortality arising from burns include infections, dehydration, percentage of burns, malnutrition, hypovolemic shock among others.

Method

This was a retrospective study using existing Hospital Records of Patients who were admitted to one of the 8 Surgical Units January and December 2005.

Simple statistical methods were used to analyse the data.

Results

The average percentage of body surface affected was 24.8%.

17 (18.3%)of the 93 burns admissions resulted in deaths. The age range was 6 months to 54 years with 14 years as the average.

11 (64.7%) of the deaths occurred in Children under 5 years.

11 (64.7%) were males while 6 (35.3%) were females.

Hot water caused 7 (58.3%) of the burns while 6 (41.7%) were occasioned by open flames.

The internal causes of death were wound sepsis hypovolemic shock (as result of dehydration) and, malnutrition.

All body sites were affected, especially limbs and the anterior trunk.

6 (37.5%) of the mortality cases had partial thickness burns. 5 (31.2%) had no classification, 4 (25%) had mixed burns while 1 (6.2%) had full thickness burns.

Discussions/conclusions

Burns are a common cause of mortality and male children were mainly affected.
Geographic information system of the pedestrian bridges in Mexico City
Authors: Becerril L C , Medina M Hijar , Lopez H D R , Plascencia L H , Restrepo H Sanchez
Published: March 2011

This system is the result of a multidisciplinary research by epidemiologists from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), geographers and actuaries from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and civil engineers from the Policy Institute for Transportation and Development Program (ITDP). The research objective was to identify factors of use of the pedestrian bridges and their role in the prevention of pedestrian accidents in Mexico City. The geographic information system (GIS) contains the location of 617 pedestrian bridges built in Mexico City and a set of technical specifications for bridges with a photographic inventory. It also integrates more than 2500 records obtained from a survey of users and nonusers of the pedestrian bridges that characterise those persons who walk the areas where bridges are located. The methodology for this research was the spatialisation of tabular data by a geocoding process and integration of associated attributes in databases. This set of information allowed the construction of an indicator that ranks each pedestrian bridge using variables such as condition of bridge maintenance, safety, types and width of the roadway, presence of traffic lights, travel time of pedestrians among others. The information system was programmed with a friendly interface for easy user access and was donated to various local government agencies as the Ministry of Transport and Highways (SETRAVI) and the Ministry of Public Security (SSP) of the Mexico City.
GBD2005: estimating mortality and morbidity associated with fatal and nonfatal unintentional drowning episodes
Authors: Watt K , Franklin R C , Wallis B
Published: March 2011

Background

Worldwide, there are over 400 000 deaths per annum from unintentional drowning it is recognised as the 2nd leading cause of global unintentional fatalities. This systematic literature review is being completed for the GBD2005 Injury Expert Group. The purpose of the review is to estimate the global incidence rates for fatal and nonfatal unintentional drowning episodes, and to describe the duration of drowning consequences among those who survive.

Methods

Studies published in any language cited in MEDLINE; EMBASE; PsychINFO or SPORTSDISCUSS between January 1980 and December 2007 were obtained for review. Population-level studies that describe incidence or prevalence of fatal (death occurring within 24 h of a submersion incident) or nonfatal (submersion incident involves cardiac arrest and asphyxia for which resuscitation occurs, resulting in survival beyond 24 h) drowning episodes in predetermined GBD regions or counties within a region, as well as studies that describe the progression of drowning consequences among survivors, were retained for analyses. This includes studies on drowning related to natural disasters (eg, floods, cyclones, tsunamis), water and other transport incidents. Data were extracted using a standardised abstraction procedure.

Results and Discussion

At the time of abstract submission, this systematic review is well underway. The initial search strategy yielded 14 926 papers. After reading the title and/or abstract, 13 697 were discarded, leaving 1229 papers for checking against the review criteria. Data on the incidence of unintentional fatal and nonfatal drowning episodes in each of the GBD regions will be presented and compared at the conference. Results will be discussed in the context of the strengths and limitations of this approach.
A study of warfare injuries draining to teaching hospital, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijayarathne H K , Amarakoon G G G T , Jeewantha H B D , Senanayake J K , Dharmaratne S D
Published: March 2011

Background

Armed conflict has been a major cause of ill health and death throughout history and not received the same attention from public health practitioners and researchers as other causes of illness. But has been projected to be the 8th most important cause of death by 2020.The Sri Lankan Civil War was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a separatist militant organisation which fought to create an independent Tamil state. After a 30 month long military campaign, the Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of warfare injuries draining to Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka and interventions for those injuries.

Methods

This is a retrospective analytical study and obtained data from May 2007 to May 2009. All the patients admitted to surgical units with warfare injuries were collected from bed head tickets.

Results

Total admissions to the surgical unit of TH/A is 22 707 and out of which 85.41% were causalities including 5574 Army Casualties and 13 821 civil Casualties. Eighteen percent of army causalities were managed by Laparotomies, 0.25% by Thoracotomies and 66.54% by other surgical procedures. Fifteen percent of total army causalities were end up with amputations

Conclusions

Higher percentage of total hospital admissions on surgical units was due to causalities out of which considerable percentage due to warfare injuries. At the battle, thoracic region of a soldier is covered with an armour, but may have not been adequate abdominal cover. So the Injuries to the abdominal organs was much higher than thoracic organs. To prevent those abdominal injuries, bullet proof abdominal armours can be introduced. Number of amputations shows the incidence of disable individuals and rehabilitation programs should launch for them.
Estimating burden of disease from fatal and nonfatal natural disaster-related injuries
Authors: Watt K , Dwyer K
Published: March 2011

Background

Injury and death from natural disasters are recognised as direct health consequences of climate change. The frequency of natural disasters (including extreme weather events) has increased over the last few decades, and this trend is expected to continue. The purpose of this systematic review is to estimate global population level morbidity and mortality for injuries arising from natural disasters, to gain a clear understanding of the progression and duration of these injuries. This systematic literature review is being undertaken for the GBD2005 Injury Expert Group.

Methods

Studies published in any language cited in MEDLINE; EMBASE or PsychINFO between January 1980 and December 2007 were obtained for review. Population-level studies describing incidence or prevalence of fatal or non-fatal injuries that occur as a result of natural disasters in predetermined GBD regions or counties within a region, as well as studies that describe the duration and sequelae of injures among survivors of these events, were retained for analyses. Data were extracted using a standardised abstraction procedure.

Results and Discussion

This systematic review is well underway at the time of abstract submission. The initial search strategy yielded 2835 papers, of which 327 were retained for checking against the review criteria after reading the title and/or abstract. Data on the incidence of fatal and non-fatal injuries that occur as a consequence of natural disasters will be presented and compared at the conference. As the frequency of climate change-related natural disasters increases, these data will be crucial to help inform disaster preparedness. It may not be possible to prevent such events, but harm can be minimised by understanding the injury pattern and profile of persons fatally and non-fatally injured due to these events.
Cyclists' injury epidemiology based on a road trauma registry
Authors: Amoros E , Chiron M , Thelot B , Ndiaye A , Laumon B
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Cycling is increasing in some cities. Bicycle injuries are often overlooked, partly because police crash data largely under-report them.

Method

A road trauma registry in a French area (Rhne county, population=1.6 Million) includes both in- and out-patients, with injuries coded with the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Over 1996–2006, 14 437 people were recorded as injured (or killed) while cycling. Type of cyclists is approximately defined by crash location and age: in or out of town, or children (0–10 years old). A multivariate logistic regression is performed to quantify risk factors of injury severity.

Results

Incidence peaks at 7–8 years old in females and at 12 in males; the sex-ratio (M/F) is 2.2 among injured children, 3.5 among in town injured cyclists and 5.7 among out of town. Most cyclists are injured on their own: 85% in children, 62% among in-town cyclists and 73% among out-of-town. Proportion of MAIS3+ is 4.6% in children, 7.3% among in-town and 10.6% among out-of-town. Adjusted risk factors for injury severity (Max.AIS3+) are as follows: being male, aged 45 or older, not wearing a helmet, crashing in a rural place, at night, on 90 km/h roads and colliding with a motorised vehicle. MAIS1 cyclists are mostly injured at the limbs (75% of them) and at the face (27%), MAIS2 cyclists at the upper limbs (58%) and head (22%), MAIS3 at the upper limbs (58%). Finally MAIS4+ cyclists (ie, with possibly fatal injuries) are mostly injured at the head (73%) and at the thorax (24%).
Bicycle helmet and head, face and neck injuries: a case–control study based on 12 000 injured cyclists from a road trauma registry
Authors: Amoros E , Chiron M , Thelot B , Ndiaye A , Laumon B
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Several case–control studies have assessed the effectiveness of the bicycle helmet against head and face injuries. This is the first case–control study in a non anglo-saxon setting; it is based on recent years, when foam helmets are the most common helmets.

Material and Methods

The study is based on a road trauma registry that covers both in and outpatients. Some 14 000 injured cyclists are included. Helmet wearing is routinely collected as part of the registry notification form. All injuries are recorded and coded with the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Cases are respectively defined as being AIS3+ head injured, AIS1+ head injured, AIS1+ face injured, AIS2+ neck injured and AIS1+ neck injured. A first analysis is similar to the analyses selected in the Cochrane review, adjusting for age, sex, motorised antagonist (yes/no). A second analysis restricts the dataset to cyclists who are at least injured in a body region other than head, face or neck (n=11 889), to sidestep the bias due to missing crash-involved but non-injured cyclists. This analysis moreover adjusts for more crash-force related variables.

Results

Fully adjusted OR on the restricted dataset for wearing a helmet is 0.29, 95% CI=[0.13 to 0.56] for AIS3+ head injuries, 0.75, CI=[0.62 to 0.91] for AIS1+ head injuries, 0.71, CI=[0.58 to 0.86] for AIS1+ face injuries, 1.51, CI=[0.56 to 3.82] for AIS2+ neck injuries and 1.34, CI=[1.01 to 1.77] for AIS1+ neck injuries. The Cochrane-like analyses lead to the same conclusions except for the risk of AIS1+ neck injuries.

Conclusions

The bicycle helmet protects against head and face injuries.
What are the cyclists' safety behaviours? a survey on 900 cyclists (sports, commuting cyclists and children)
Authors: Amoros E , Supernant K , Thelot B , Chiron M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

In the context of increasing cycle use, what is the current behaviour of cyclists towards their own safety equipment: helmet and conspicuity equipment?

Material and Methods

A survey was conducted in a big city (Lyon) and its surroundings. Three main types of cyclists were distinguished: children, sports cyclists and commuting cyclists. Some 900 cyclists responded. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to helmet wearing.

Results

Helmet wearing is strongly related to cyclist types: the helmet is always worn by 49% of riding children, by 68% of sports cyclists and by 17% of commuting cyclists. Commuting cyclists are less likely to wear a helmet if they are female, riding mostly in rural areas, driving a car everyday or never, judging the helmet to be cumbersome (after leaving the bike), and not feeling fragile. Bright coloured clothes are always used by 49% of sports cyclists and by 9% of commuting cyclists. Among cyclists riding at night time, the rear mandatory light is always used by 57% of sports cyclists and by 64% of commuting cyclists. Reasons for non-use are mostly out of order and oversight. A reflective jacket is always worn at night by 10% of adult cyclists.

Conclusion

There is much room for increasing the use of safety equipments by cyclists. Helmet wearing is put forward but conspicuity (precrash prevention) should not be overlooked; additionally, cyclists compliance with conspicuity recommendations might be easier to increase. Finally, prevention campaigns should take cyclists types into account.
Evaluation of speed humps on pedestrian injuries in Ghana
Authors: Afukaar F K , Damsere-Derry J
Published: March 2011

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of speed humps in reducing pedestrian crashes at selected settlements located along the Konongo-Kumasi highway.

Materials and Methods

The study adopted before and after comparison of police reported casualty crashes at six treated sites. The crash data for the evaluation was obtained from the National Road Accident Database which is maintained through the use of the Micro-computer Accident Analysis Package (MAAP) software. Unobtrusive vehicles speeds were also measured with the aid of radar speed gun.

Results

The speed humps are effective in reducing casualty crash frequencies by 37.5%, fatal crashes by 46% and pedestrian crashes by 72%. Generally, road traffic crashes reduced both in number and severity at the treated sites. On average, there has been an annual pedestrian crash reduction of 3.25 fatal crashes, 2.75 serious injury crashes and 0.25 minor injury crashes; resulting in an annual reduction in pedestrian casualties of 63%. The average vehicle speeds established to be between 71 km/h and 87 km/h before installation of the speed humps reduced considerably to an average of between 32 km/h and 36 km/h after installation.

Conclusions

Speed humps are effective in reducing pedestrian crashes in settlements located along the interurban highway. The speed humps are able to lower the average speeds of vehicles to levels below the 50 km/h posted speed limit desirable for settlements. The results are useful for black spots management in settlement areas and for strategic road safety investments.
Animal related injuries in dairy farms in-depth interviews with farmers
Authors: Lindahl C , Lundqvist P
Published: March 2011

Animal-related accidents are among the most common occupational injuries in agriculture. A majority of these animal-related injuries are due to dairy cattle. Occupational injuries cause human suffering as well as economical losses for the affected person and family and for society. There are numerous causes to why these accidents occur, which makes accident prevention a very complex issue. In-depth research is needed to give valuable insights into this relatively unexplored area. The aim of the study is to explore the farmers own experiences, thoughts and perceptions of why animal-related accidents happen and what strategies are needed to prevent future accidents. In-depth interviews with Swedish dairy farmers will be conducted. Dairy farms will be selected based on production system, geographical location and farmers' gender and age, to ensure a representative sample. The interviews will be carried out during the first half of year 2010. This study is the first part of a PhD project with focus on prevention of occupational accidents in dairy farming. The results will be used as a basis for developing new ideas on how to effectively prevent animal-related accidents in agriculture.
EID – evaluation of the implementation of the documentation sheet in cases of sexual violence against women in Hesse
Authors: Hintz E
Published: March 2011

According to a representative study 13% of German women fall victim to criminal prosecuted sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime. In order to secure forensic evidence for trial the Hesse Department of Labour Work, Family and Health lead-managed the design of a special documentation sheet and forensic examination kit to be used in cases of sexual violence. Since 2008 police officers in Hesse are required to escort female victims of sexual assault to the hospital and insure implementation of the documentation sheet and the forensic examination kit. The project evaluates the implementation of the documentation sheet in Hesse. Questions to be answered are as follows: How and to what extent is the documentation sheet being used? How is the cooperation between police, medical doctors, the women's helpline and the prosecution? To what extent does the documentation sheet help to improve the healthcare of victims?

Methods

Up to now 11 interviews have been arranged with the 12 women helplines in Hesse. 23 question guide supported interviews with police officers from commissioners offices of Hessen were conducted. Furthermore, interviews with prosecutors, judges and victims advocates from nine Hessian regions are planned. In medical care regions nine interviews with gynaecologists in hospitals and in established practices will be arranged. The final results will be given in September.
A verbal audit to determine the consequences of domestic violence among 50 women at a shelter for abused women in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mtonga R E
Published: March 2011

50 women were enlisted with ages ranging between 18 and 49 years Verbal threats physical beatings, verbal abuse and non-consensual sexual intercourse were the forms Domestic violence took.

Method

A semistructured schedule based on Convenience sampling Method was used. The 50 women were drawn from a drop-in centre for abused women in Lusaka.

Results

29 out of 50 or 58% were married, 7 or 14% were single, 6 or 12% were divorcees and 8 or 16% were widowed.

38 (6%) lived in high density or medium cost housing, 11 or 22% where from low density housing.

Of the 14 that responded to the question of education status, 12 or 86% had primary education while only 2 or 15% had secondary education. 12 of the 14 or 85% were unemployed. 33 out the 50 or 66% reported battering by the intimate partner.

Outcomes included non-consensual sexual intercourse 30%, 26% had unplanned pregnancies, 16% or 8 had sexually transmitted diseases, while 6 or 12.5% contemplated divorce. 66% of the women even contemplated suicide.

15 or 30% said their spouses often took alcohol in excess.

Injuries included lacerations 5 (10%), bruises 19 (38%), brunt trauma 3 or 6% while the rest had undefined injuries.

Discussions and conclusions

Domestic violence, perpetrated by intimate sexual partners who often took alcohol is common and manifested as non-consensual sex, batterings partners and verbal abuse. Psychosocial trauma, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, attempted suicides and physical injuries were effects.