bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to participation in violence prevention programming: an IPPNW communications survey
Authors: Valenti M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War sought data on potential communications and technology barriers to health professional participation in its global program.

Aiming for Prevention

A Health Approach to Preventing Injuries from Violence.

Materials and Methods

In consultation with an expert at the University of Delaware, IPPNW developed a 14-question survey focusing on communications issues. It was pretested with six staff at the IPPNW central office, revised, retested with a small group of international medical students, revised again and distributed throughout IPPNW affiliates working on violence prevention, primarily those in the global South in Latin America, South Asia and Africa.

Selected Results

It was returned by 21 people from 10 countries. About 25% don't own a computer; about 24% only have access to a computer and Internet at a cybercafe; slow/unreliable connections, cost are major impediments to regular internet use; lack of privacy/security issues were also cited; less than half have access to presentation projectors; a majority say that providing them with hardware, software and training of various sorts would help them participate more in IPPNW's violence prevention work.

Conclusions

Provision of modern and accessible communications technology would help remove some barriers to easy and full participation by affiliates in IPPNW's violence prevention work. Survey results provided a better understanding of the resources needed to more fully engage busy medical and health practitioners who live and work in the global South.
Distribution of injury death and outpatients in rural and urban areas of China in 2006
Authors: Duan L , Deng X
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To know the distribution features of injury of Chinese population in rural and urban areas, and further to provide basic scientific data for injury prevention and control in different areas.

Methods

Fatal injury data were derived from official death certificates by the National Disease Surveillance Points System (DSP). Hospital injury visit data were from emergency and outpatient rooms of the 126 hospitals of the National Injury Surveillance System (NISS). Descriptive analysis was used to explore the differences between and similarities in rural and urban areas.

Results

While the order of the five main causes of injury deaths were the same in rural and urban areas, mortalities of injury and main types of injury were higher in rural areas than urban areas in 2006. Most of the hospital injury visits from emergency and outpatient rooms were male, 15–64 years old both in rural and urban areas in 2006. The cause or mechanism, location, activity and intent of injury and the clinical conditions of injury patients have both differences and similarities in rural and urban areas.

Conclusion

The epidemiologies of both death and hospital visits from injury are different between rural and urban areas in China according to the national surveillance systems. Thus, appropriate strategies and schemes should be taken in injury prevention and control in different areas.
Health system preparedness for road traffic accidents in a rural district in Kerala, India
Authors: Asheel B M , Soman B , Kuriakose V G , Francis S , Mathew T
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To assess the health system preparedness with regard to road traffic accidents, in terms of resources, organisational functions and geographical distribution of trauma care facilities and their proximity to accident prone areas in Alappuzha district, Kerala.

Methods

The WHO Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care was used for this descriptive operational research involving 49 hospitals in Alappuzha district. Site visits were done (Jul–Sep 2009) for direct inspection and interviews with administrative and clinical staff. The geo-spatial data collected was analysed using ArcGIS version 9.1 and adequacy of resources analysed using SPSS version 17.0.

Results

None of the hospitals at any level had adequate physical or human resources deemed essential at that level as per the guidelines. Though essential physical resources for emergency resuscitation of accident victims were adequate at tertiary level, these were found inadequate (82.4%) or absent (11.8%) even at specialty hospital. In all settings there was a dearth of administrative functions to ensure quality trauma care. Geo spatial analysis showed that 67% of accident prone areas fell within 10 min travel time by an ambulance, to a specialist hospital and 76.5% of specialist hospital falls within 1 h travel time to tertiary hospital.

Conclusion

Trauma care preparedness of Alappuzha district was found to be dismally poor. The study identified critical resources which if provided would improve the trauma care preparedness in the district several folds without much financial investment. This may suit to similar political and resource poor settings else were.
Providing prehospital trauma care for road traffic injury victims in Iran: a qualitative study of Barriers and facilitators
Authors: Bidgoli H H , Hasselberg M , Khankeh H , Khorasani-Zavareh D , Johansson E
Published: March 2011

Background

Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death and injury, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Improvements in prehospital trauma care can help minimise mortality and morbidity from road traffic injuries (RTIs) worldwide, particularly in LMICs with a high rate of RTIs such as Iran. The aim of current study was to explore barriers to and potential facilitators for providing effective prehospital trauma care for RTI victims in Iran based on the experience and perception of prehospital trauma care professionals.

Methods

This study conducted using a grounded theory approach. Participants of the study were 15 prehospital trauma care professionals. The data collected via indepth interviews and were analysed using the constant comparative method. Results Seven categories emerged through data analysis: (1) administration and organisation, (2) staff qualifications and competences, (3) availability and distribution of resources, (4) communication and transportation, (5) involved organisations, (6) laypeople and (7) infrastructures. The lack of interaction and common understanding was identified as the core category. Moreover, a conceptual model was developed based on the categories.

Conclusions

According to the findings, improving the interaction within the current prehospital trauma care system and building a common understanding of the role of the emergency medical services were identified as the key issues for developing an effective prehospital trauma care system in the country.
Evaluation of random drug tests among public vehicle drivers of Iran
Authors: Motevalian S A , Shirzad H , Jahani M R
Published: March 2011

Road traffic injuries and opioid use-related mental disorders were the first and fifth cause of burden of disease in 2003 accordingly. In 2007, a media campaign was carried out to notify the public drivers about random drug tests in roads of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the results of random drug test among large vehicle drivers before and after this campaign.

Methods

Two different national roadside surveys were conducted on 1168 and 680 drivers in 2002 and 2008 respectively. In both studies, the subjects were bus and truck drivers and their urine samples were tested by a rapid morphine test at study sites and positive samples were transferred for thin layer chromatography.

Results

In 2002, 168 drivers out of 1168 (14.4% 95% CI 95% 12.4 to 16.4) were found to have positive morphine test. The second roadside survey which was conducted after media campaign showed that this proportion has decreased to 9.0% (95% CI 95% 7.0 to 11.4).

Discussion

Opioid use among large vehicle drivers is a major public health and road safety issue in Iran which needs more attention. Random drug test supported by a media campaign seems to have promising effects on reducing driving under influence of drugs.
National burden of injuries and violence: a household survey in Egypt
Authors: Hafez M , Saad R , Jaffar H S , Gururaj G , Elhennawy H
Published: March 2011

Introduction

In 2008, Injury was ranked as the 5th leading cause of mortality and 3rd cause of hospitalisation in Egypt. The aim of the survey was to identify the burden and characteristics of injuries through a population based survey.

Methods

A population-based survey was undertaken in five governorates of Egypt through a multi stage probability proportional to size sampling method. A validated semistructured questionnaire was used and information was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, external causes, risk factors for road crashes, outcome, impact and utilisation of healthcare.

Results

Interviews were conducted in 11 118 households and 47 797 individuals were covered during the period March–July 2009. Injuries accounted for 20% of deaths in the surveyed regions. The highest injury mortality was among men and in younger age groups (<45 years). Road traffic injuries were the leading injury cause of death constituting for 56% of deaths with an age adjusted mortality of 20/100 000 population. Road traffic injuries and falls, one-third each, predominated non-fatal injuries, 35% and 34%, respectively. Nearly half of RTIs occurred on the highways. Pedestrians and vehicles drivers were involved in greater numbers of road crashes to the extent of 41% and 40%, respectively. Seat belt usage rate was only 40% and helmet usage rate was <5%. Nearly half of all fall injuries occurred at home.

Conclusions

Road, home and work safety needs to be addressed within the national policies and programmes and through intersectoral approaches.
Creating a safe community through the walk this way program: safe kids Philippines experience
Authors: Rolloque A C , Consunji R , Alcantara M M , Perez M T A , Rolloque J
Published: March 2011

Objective

To lessen and create awareness on children and their families on road traffic injuries. Be safe and be empowered in developing interventions that will lessen road traffic injuries in their communities.

Methods

Safe Kids Philippines developed a Walk This Way, a pedestrian safety program to teach safe behaviour to children, parents, motorists and create safer, more walkable communities. The organisation organised stakeholders meetings and involved people from the communities such as Barangay officials, government and non-government organisations. Side by side children attended classroom teachings on road safety conducted by volunteers. The Three Es were used such as Education, Engineering and Enforcement to empower the children and their families. Aside from that national events were conducted to reinforce the learnings of children on road safety.

Results

The organization was able to organize people from local to the national level and involve them to road safety education. Children from 89 Public Elementary Schools started to teach their siblings and their families on road safety situation in the country. They became aware on road safety and practiced it. They put traffic enforcers where they are needed, put road signs and organised crosswalk paintings. But most of all the National Injury Prevention Program was organized.

Discussion

It can be concluded that road traffic injuries can be prevented; safe and equitable communities are possible if interventions are developed. The involvement of other stakeholders is a key component on the effectiveness of the program.
Driving behaviour, driver style and road traffic accidents among young medical group
Authors: Sabbour S M , Ibrahim J M
Published: March 2011

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are increasingly being recognised as a growing public health problem. In Egypt, RTAs constitute 45% of all injury mortalities. The main objective of the study was to identify the driving style and driving behaviour of medical students and its association with car accident involvement. Driving style and behaviour of 450 medical students were reported using a self administered questionnaire. Driving style included: driving with excessive speed, deviance, calmness, planning and concentration, driving opposite direction, disregarding traffic lights and road signs (p<0.05). Driving behaviour included: driving before having license, mobile use during driving, violations, use of safety belt, participation in car races and driving under risky conditions. Involvements in car accidents were inquired in the questionnaire.

Result

Sixty-nine per cent of students reported having previous car accidents of which 63.5% were simple accidents with minimal car affection and no human injuries. Driving styles and behaviours that were significantly higher among males: excessive speed, driving before having license, disregarding road signs, driving opposite direction, non use of safety belt, answering a mobile call during driving, violations and drive under risky conditions. Significant factors associated with students' involvement in car accidents were as follows: answering mobile phone during driving, fast driving, disregarding road signs, involvement in car races, loud stereo music, drive under stress, severe fatigue, drive in bad visibility conditions, intake of alcohols and sedative drugs, sudden crossing of pedestrians, bad vehicle condition, previous violations and previous withdrawal of license.
Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of violence against children in Albania
Authors: Qirjako G , Burazeri G , Roshi E , Amursi E , Shabani Z
Published: March 2011

Aim

Our aim was to assess the prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of violence against children in postcommunist Albania.

Methods

A survey was conducted in 2008 including 388 children aged 14–18 years (184 girls and 204 boys) who were users of health services in four districts of Albania: Shkoder, Elbasan, Tirana and Vlora. A structured questionnaire was administrated including information on occurrence and type of experienced domestic violence (physical, psychological and emotional), as well as sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of children and their parents.

Results

Forty-three per cent of the children included in the survey reported they suffered at least one type of domestic violence, mainly perpetrated by their mothers. Psychological abuse was significantly more prevalent than the other types of violence. Significant determinants of both physical abuse and psychological violence were mothers lower educational attainment, a low family income and fathers unemployment.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that, in Albania, the prevalence of violence against children is high, especially so for the psychological violence. Effective programs should be implemented in order to control and prevent all types of child abuse in transitional Albania.
Assessment of attitudes and practices about road safety among schoolchildren in Shkodra, north city of Albania
Authors: Qirjako G , Hysa E , Amursi E , Bozo M , Hasani V
Published: March 2011

Background

Road traffic accidents in Albania are particularly problematic in the biggest districts, where the population has sharply increased in the past decade due to the intensive processes of internal migration. The schoolchildren remain the most vulnerable group.

Aim

The aim of the study was to estimate the level of attitudes and behaviours about road safety among schoolchildren in primary and secondary schools of Shkodra district.

Methods

In 2009, a cross-sectional study was conducted in four schools from urban, informal and rural areas of Shkodra district, included 102 schoolchildren (72 girls and 30 boys) from 11 to 15 years. A structured questionnaire was administrated including information about socio-demographic data, attitudes, practices, sources of information related to road safety, and employment of safety measures for road users.

Results

Among 102 schoolchildren, 73% of them reported that school was the main source of information about road safety and 93% of them went to school by walk. However, only 4% and 29% of the schoolchildren reported the use of helmet and seat belt respectively. Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences in levels of attitudes and practices related to road safety with regard to schoolchildren's origin (rural vs urban areas) (p=0.32).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a high rate of risky behaviours related to road safety among schoolchildren in Shkodra. Among other measures, immediate actions should be undertaken in order to enforce current legislation about mandatory use of seat belt and bicycle helmets.
Unintentional childhood injury burden, risks, and outcomes at the paediatric emergency unit in Kampala
Authors: Mutto M , Lawoko S , Nansamba C , Ovuga E , Svanström L
Published: March 2011

Unintentional Childhood Injury burden, outcomes and risks are assessed in Kampala. Proportional incidence rates, percentages and injury odds are computed; risk trends are constructed. Five hundred and fifty-six childhood injuries were recorded between January and May 2008. Male: female ratio was 15:10. Parents transported most patients to hospital using mini-buses, private cars and motorcycles. Median injury location was 5km. Homes, roads, schools were lead locations. Play and daily living activities are commonest injury time activities. Falls, burns and traffic constitute 70.5% of injuries. Burns, open wounds, fractures are commonest. Motorcycles, buses and passenger cars caused most crashes. Play grounds, furniture, stairs and trees were commonest fall sources. Liquids, fires and hot objects cause most burn. 43.8% of cases were admitted. 30% were not disabled; 10%, disabled; 1%, fatal. Injury odds varied with age, place and cause. We failed to capture poisoning and drowning. Local paediatric injury priorities should include home, road and school safety.
The association of road safety knowledge, risk behaviour and road traffic injury among school-aged children in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Dong X , Peek-Asa C , Yang J , Wang S , Chen X , Chi G , Marizen R
Published: March 2011

Objective

Research on road traffic injuries in China is growing, but little has focused on children. This study describes road traffic injuries among school-aged children in Guangzhou, China and examines the effect of road safety knowledge and risk behaviours on road traffic injuries.

Methods

A stratified cluster sample of 3747 students from six primary schools and six middle schools were surveyed. Data were collected on sociodemographics and road traffic injuries during the past year. Logistic regression was used to assess the effects of road traffic risk behaviour and road safety knowledge on road traffic injuries.

Results

A total of 403 (10.8%) students reported having at least one road traffic injury during the past year. Children who were boys, in primary school, and from the suburbs were associated with a high proportion of injuries. Bicycle related injuries were the most common (46.0% of all injuries), and motor vehicle related injuries had worst outcomes. Children with low and medium scores of road safety knowledge had 1.5–3 times the odds of injury compared to those with high scores. Students with high scores on the risky road behaviour index had twice the odds of injury (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.84) compared to students with low scores.

Conclusion

Better road safety knowledge and safer walking or cycling behaviours are protective factors for road traffic injuries among Chinese school children. More injury prevention programs are needed to improve road safety knowledge and reduce risk behaviours.
Road love: a community project
Authors: de Hoyos G , Manoukian D , Ungaro J , Palero E
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Chos Malal is a town of about 17 000 inhabitants situated in Northern Patagonia. Recent fatal vehicle collisions and membership to the Healthy Municipalities, Cities and Communities Network set in motion a training process for members of the Traffic Advisory Board and Health leaders, which led to the creation of a community project: Road Love.

Objective

To describe the development of a participatory process to improve road safety in the community.

Materials and Methods

Between June and July 2008 consecutive workshops were carried out in four sectors of the town seeking awareness, community diagnosis and collective proposals. Conclusions were presented to the community in September.

Results

Many people participated. A risk map was obtained, vulnerable groups were identified, and actions were executed at all levels. The City Council passed several laws regarding traffic safety. Some leaders replicated workshops and teachers promoted school projects. Students started radio campaigns on road safety. People designed and distributed leaflets and messages. Improvements in infrastructure and signalling were carried out. The number of traffic injured people dropped 28 % in the first 8 months compared to the same period the previous year. No serious or fatal victims were recorded during this period. Following community's recommendations, a second project regarding traffic injuries surveillance is being executed.

Discussion and Conclusions

Local participatory diagnosis, networks reinforcement and advocacy from health sector are crucial to start cultural changes. Peoples commitment to support community values increase social capital and makes sustainability possible.
Effect of care in emergency room toward death within 48 h of traffic
Authors: Sithisarankul P , Suwaratchai P
Published: March 2011

Background

Trauma is a major problem and secondary cause of death in Thailand. The goal of trauma care has been prevent death, special in early trauma death. The first activity in hospital care is emergency room care, which occur highest error in process of care. Detect death due to process of care in Trauma patients is complex. In Thailand, there is no study which define problem of process of care and death in trauma patients.

Objectives

Study effect of process of trauma care in Emergency Room toward death after 48h of Traffic injury.

Study Design

Nested case control study. The sample consisted of 1981 traffic injury patients (491 case and 1490 control subjects) during 1 April 2005 to 31 December 2006, and were selected 100 subjects, 40 case and 60 control subjects. Results the processes of care in emergency room as risk factors toward patient death within 48 h were the assessment of shock (OR 5.93; 95% CI 1.13 to 31.14) and the recognition of presence or risk of abdominal injury (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.11 to 11.50). Risk factors in inpatient care were the assessment of shock (OR 7.60; 95% CI 1.47 to 32.49), the monitoring and treatment of shock (OR 4.40; 95% CI 1.03 to 18.73) and the surgical treatment of abdominal injury (OR 6.76; 95% CI 1.73 to 26.45).

Conclusions

These results suggest that trauma quality improvement should be in emergency room and ward. The important processes of care are assessment, monitoring and appropriate operation, especially in patients who have both head and abdominal injuries.
Prevalence of and risk factors associated with workplace violence: a cross-sectional study in 7026 health staff in South China
Authors: Chen Z , Peek-Asa C , Yang G
Published: March 2011

Objective

To probe prevalence of and risk factors associated with workplace violence in hospitals so as to establish a theory basis for maintaining regular working order in hospitals and lawmaking against workplace violence.

Method

A retrospective study about workplace violence in health staff from four different cities of South China was carried out, utilizing SPSS 17.0 for regressive and GEE analysis.

Results

Among 7026 hospital staff investigated, 4075 have been subjected to workplace violence in the last 12 months preceding the survey, with a rate of 57.93%, accounting for 56.76% of psychological violence, 15.06% of physical violence and 6.67% of sexual violence, respectively. Victims differed in four cities, with rates varying from 28.68% to 66.20%. Staff who were most prone to violence in hospitals were those working at Emergency Departments, psychiatrists, doctors and nurses, long contract staff, male aged below 30. Persons who were apt to commit workplace violence were relatives of patients, aged below 40, especially male aged 31–40. Wards and day shift were the most likely location and time slot for violence.

Conclusion

Prevalence of workplace violence in hospitals in South China was quite high. Staff in Emergency Departments, psychiatrists, doctors and nurses, long contract staff and male aged below 30 should be put more emphasis on from workplace violence. Prevention and control of violence was a complex and systematic project, calling for collaboration from various sectors such as law enforcement, management, engineering, education and so forth.
Socio-economic predictors of youth violence in Nigeria: library intervention strategies
Authors: Echezona R I , Ugwu C I , Ozioko R E
Published: March 2011

The paper aimed at developing some library intervention strategies for curbing violence in our society within the context of socio-economic predictors of youth violence. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to explore the violent activities of youths and their socio-economic predictors. The population of the study consisted of librarians and youths in Nigeria Universities drawn from the six geographical zones of the country. Three Universities were randomly selected from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, while the Librarians from these selected Universities were studied (n1=100). A total number of 2700 undergraduates were randomly selected from the three Universities studied (n2=n3=n4=900). Questionnaire was instruments used for data collection. The findings revealed that youths studied are involved in so many violent activities due largely to frustration. The socio-economic predictors of youth violence include apparent lack of parental control, poor social infrastructure, insufficient academic training, unemployment, poor family living condition and high cost of living. This paper argues that libraries can contribute greatly to curbing of youth violence by embarking on intervention strategies. These strategies include provision of information on different aspects of recreational activities for the youths, provision of information on employment opportunities for the youth, and engaging on outreach programmes on prevention of negative consequences of youth violence and engaging in public private partnership initiatives to check the violent activities of the youth. The paper recommended that government at all levels should invest in library development considering its role in socio-economic development of the country.
Prevention of violence in old age-role of old age centres
Authors: Gorea R K , Mangat K K , Gorea L
Published: March 2011

In Indian culture children are supposed to take care of the elders at home. Violence in old age is not very common in India by the persons who take care of them. But we do have some cases of violence by the guardians of the old people. Mostly it is the neglect which the geriatric population faces in the hands of their children. In some cases the children do not take care up to the expectation of the parents. Violence, negligence and not coming up to the expectations of elder people lead to frustration in the old age. Many old people adjust to such problems but many cannot do this. This leads to disharmony in the families. To avoid these problems many people who can afford they prefer to go to old age centres. At such places they are taken care of by paying some money. In this study the relative analysis of effectiveness of such old age homes versus care at home in prevention of violence and negligence will be discussed. Findings of the research carried out in old people living at home and in old age centres will be presented which will help in reducing violence to old people.
Improve the major walk to school roads by mapping out the popular routes
Authors: Wang L , Cui M Y
Published: March 2011

Problem

Child pedestrian activity accounts for 40% of the child-related road traffic accidents (RTA) in China. Over 70% primary school students walk to school every day, making many children a large target for RTA.

Objectives

(1) Improve the pedestrian safety by mapping major Walk-to-School roads (WTSR). (2) Collaborate with community resources to improve major WTSR.

Method

(1) Create a city planning map (CPM) with the area surrounding the respective school. (2) Design a childfriendly CPM; add road names and residential roads. (3) Assign homework to students to map their route and colour their WTSR. (4) Input all WTSR and find the major WTSR. (5) Evaluate major WTSR and collaborate with community resources for environmental improvement.

Results

(1) Five hundred primary students participated in the WTSR colouring; 467 coloured WTSR maps collected. (2) Two major WTSR were identified, with 80% of children taking these roads. (3) Five environmental improvements were completed through evaluation of the major WTSR, including removing the bins at corners, resetting the duration of the traffic light at road crossings, etc.

Conclusion

(1) The CPM of the community is available in most cities. (2) The CPM need to be designed into a child-friendly version and must include residential roads. (3) Assigning the WTSR as homework was accepted by students to point out the WTSR. (4) The major WTSR helped the community to synergise resources for environmental improvements round school zone. (5) This measure can be expanded to all the schools to recommend safe WTSR.
Determining the circumstances of drowning injuries in communities North and South of the Philippine Archipelago
Authors: Perez M T A , Consunji R , Navarra A , Alag L Joie
Published: March 2011

Although analysis of existing data from the Department of Health and WHO on the Philippines show that 3000 Filipinos die annually, there are no details on where and how these drowning injuries occur. Safe Kids Philippines and the Philippine Life Saving Society embarked on conducting community surveys on drowning in the municipality of Los Banos, in Luzon Island and Iligan City in Mindanao Island to supplement national statistics with local information on circumstances surrounding drowning incidents and to identify determinants of and risk factors for conditions surrounding drowning injury. Drowning cases were identified through records in the local civil registries and the barangay (village) blotters. Interviewers traced resource persons who had first hand knowledge of the incidents. Verbal autopsies, using a standard validated questionnaire, uncovered 46 cases in Los Banos and 36 cases in Iligan City over the period 1996–2009. The most common site of drowning was open water – 77% of all cases happened in a lake, river or estuary. One in seven cases is associated with flash floods. Thirty-four per cent reported alcohol use prior to drowning, all of whom were adult males 23–65 years old. Contributory to drowning in children were the lack of adult supervision and the lack of the child's swimming skills among others. Focused group discussions in both cites recommended the inclusion of the local government units in creating and implementing regulations, incorporating water safety in the curriculum, creating first responder teams and conducting training on drowning prevention in the community.
Outcome from emergency services for emergency injury by Advance Team, Emergency Medical Service, Khon Kaen Hospital
Authors: Piyawatchwela T
Published: March 2011

An effective emergency medical service system (EMSS) which could save lives of those who got injured from accidents or critical illness requited an assessment and rapid and appropriate care for each individuals. Patients survival rate during the transportation from the scene to the hospital has also been considered as one of qualitative indexes for EMSS.

Objective

To evaluate an effectiveness of services for patients from accidents and in critical illness at the scene of the Advance team, EMS, Khon Kaen hospital during the year 2008.

Methods

Retrospective study from EMS report, Khon Kaen hospital.

Subjects

Patients from accidents or severely critical illness received service from EMS, Khon Kaen hospital at the scene during October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008. Data were descriptively analysed as percentage.

Results

Total subjects of 191 patients (122 males and 69 females) were categorised as 140 critically ill patients (73.30%) and 51 patients from accidents (26.70%). One hundred and thirty patients (72.77%) were treated in the Medical Unit, followed by patients with road accidents (38 patients; 19.89%). Numbers of patients initially evaluated as unconscious with GCS score 3 and those who required CPR at the scene and later brought to the hospital were 73 (38.22%) and 35 (18.32%), respectively. For patients who were brought to the hospital, 20 patients (57.14%) died at the emergency room while 15 patients (42.68%) survived. Average response times for patients from accidents and patients with other critical illnesses were 4.40 min and 6.54 min, respectively.

Conclusion

It was found from this study that all related personnel must work precisely and quickly. These are considered important factors regarding and effective medical service to save patients lives.
Glassing: the invisible danger
Authors: Forsyth A J M
Published: March 2011

In recent decades the use of glass as a medium for manufacturing drinking containers has reduced. Today, milk is commonly sold in cartons, soft drinks in plastic and hot drinks in ceramics. The one category of drink still commonly sold/served in glass vessels is alcohol, paradoxically the only beverage type associated with an increased risk of accidents and serious violence. This presentation will draw together evidence from a variety of studies conducted by the speaker, which, although none were specifically focused on glassing, found this issue to be most salient. These involved licensed premises observation (including the effects of a glassware ban), focus groups with street drinkers, a photo-survey of substance-use litter and a survey/qualitative interviews with convicted violent Young Offenders. Taken together a common theme emerged from these studies; one where alcohol-related glass, especially from off-trade beverages, was associated with injury risk and serious violence, to a greater extent than was the case with more high profile issues such as knife carrying or discarded syringes. This disparity in concern is doubly unfortunate as ‘glassing’ is a risk/weapon which can more easily be eliminated than knives or other ‘sharps’. However owing to the current dominant cultural and economic position occupied by glass in the alcohol market, it is recognised that in the shorter term, the goal should be to initiate gradual change by targeting high risk alcohol environments and alcohol beverages/brands popular with offenders.
Road traffic injuries in the Peoples Republic of China, 1951–2008
Authors: Zhang X , Xiang H , Chen Z , Jia J , Smith G A , Stallones L
Published: March 2011

Background

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) have become the leading cause of injury deaths in the P.R. China. We analysed the trends and characteristics of RTIs from 1951 to 2008.

Methods

Road traffic crash data from 1951 to 2008 were obtained from the Bureau of Traffic Management at the Ministry of Public Security. All fatal traffic crashes and non-fatal traffic crashes that result in medically treated injuries are required to be reported to the Bureau of Traffic Management using a standardised traffic crash data collection form.

Results

Over the past 5 decades, road traffic injuries have increased substantially in China. From 1951 to 2008, the total number of traffic crash events, traffic-related deaths and non-fatal traffic-related injuries increased by 86-fold, 125-fold and 92-fold, respectively. The traffic-related death rate increased substantially in the past 10 years and reached 5.56 per 100 000 population in 2008. Road traffic injuries in China disproportionally affect the following populations: persons 21–50 years of age, pedestrians and motorcyclists/bicyclists. RTIs among individuals older than 65 years also increased in recent years. Provinces in northern China have significantly higher traffic-related death rates than other areas of China.

Conclusion

Road traffic injuries have become a burgeoning public health problem in China. Programs need to be developed to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by road traffic crashes.
Association of a few interventions by police with changes in traffic injuries in Iran
Authors: Naser-Movahedi A , Soori H , Movahedi M , Mehmandar M R , Ainy E , Hatamabadi H R , Azari M , Mahfuzpour S , Vafaee R , Massoudinejad M R
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The efficacy of provisional driver licensing and mandatory seat belt use legislations on reducing traffic injuries and the intensity of injuries was investigated.

Methods

Data on traffic crashes and injuries from 1 year before till 2 years after the implementation of provisional driver licensing and mandatory seat belt use legislations were obtained from traffic police. Data of traffic injuries and mortalities from 1 year before till 2 year after the implementation of graduate driver licensing compared in those in early years of their driving experience. To evaluate the efficiency of mandatory seat belt use legislation the intensity of traffic injuries were compared.

Results

Drivers under 23 years of age consisted 22.8% of total crashes in the prior to the implementation of graduate driver licensing. This proportion reduced to 15.5% and 16.1% in the first and second year after implementation, respectively, in holders of provisional B1 type driver license. This approximately 7% reduction in total accident was statistical significant (p<0.001). Regarding the intensity of injuries after the implementation of the mandatory seat belt use, our findings showed that traffic mortalities consisted of 13.3% of all traffic accidents in the year prior to the implementation, while this proportion decreased to 9.9% and 11.5% in the first and second years after the implementation, respectively.

Conclusion

It is suggested that both interventions were efficient in reduction of intensity of traffic injuries and provisional driver licensing was efficient in reducing the crude number of traffic injuries.
Situation of emergency in Thailand
Authors: Chantarasiri J , Nuntabut K
Published: March 2011

Researchers used the literature review method and pilot study in a village in North Eastern region. The methods were field observation, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion. The data were analysed by content analysis.

The results from 136 researches are: (1) the most of researches were traffic accidents aimed to individual and group changing such as teenager group. The most helping was traffic accidents. (2) Government focused on emergency-related traffic accidents mostly. Most forms of public management base on the symptoms that are standardised to obtain emergency assistance from the recovery unit's life.

The results from pilot study are: (1) the emergency case in community had more quantity than the hospitals data. (2) There were many emergency case occurrence for example: the emergence of a chronic disease, a common illness includes the elderly faint, high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and children injured by the accident etc. (3) Emergency management had been found such as aid of friendly folk, self-help, neighbourhood, volunteer, village headman and subdistrict administration organisation had some volunteer civil protection department to help alleviate which were helping people not only sick, but included issues in trouble as people's needs.

The finding show that the definition of emergency in people viewpoint were different from medical viewpoint. Thus, it has to study about the community management process for emergency helping which accordant to the context environment, social and community culture. Finally, it will lead to the suggestion for community emergency system development both in local area and country further.
Stress in a workplace in Mongolia
Authors: Baasanjargal B , Otgon G , Lkhagvasyren T S
Published: March 2011

The aim of study is to increase the labour ability by determining immune system changes and estimating stress level of the workers on their jobs.

1000 people including shop assistants, health personnel, policemen and lawyers were involved in the questionnaire and level of stress was defined by the test and questionnaire of Teilor. It was defined that 21% of them had no stress, and 78% had stress; 47.6% with first degree, 18.1% with second degree, 13.2% with third degree.

70 people with the second and third level of stress in the case group and 20 people with the 0 level stress in control group were chosen for immune test.

After comparing the amount of cortisol in the blood serum of people in case and control groups, the cortisol level of people with stress has increased (p<0.0001) than the people who had no stress.

It shows that interleukin 6 (IL-6) (p<0.01), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (p<0.05) in the blood serum of people with stress has increased than the people in the control group.

It can be concluded that 78.9% of workers in hospital, legal and commercial organisations feel stress in their workplaces.

The amount of cortisol in blood serum have been increased during stress.

Cytokine in the blood serum can lead to change the function of the immune system of the body. αIncrease of IL-6, TNF.
A cross-sectional study on lower back pain (LBP) among Chinese coal miners
Authors: Xu G , Li L , Liu F , Pei D
Published: March 2011

Background

Coal miners differ from other professional population in their exposures to physical and psychosocial hazards in the work environment. In China, the number of coal miners far exceeded millions, but epidemiological data on lower back pain (LBP) of this occupational group are very rare.

Objective

To explore prevalence characteristics in coal miners and their association with occupational and personal risk factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1573 coal miners from a major coal mine group in China using a two-part questionnaire, with items adopted from questionnaires that have been used for such studies around the world. LBP prevalence was assessed using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were employed for statistical analyses.

Result

Of 1537 coal miners, 649% reported in the past 12-month prevalence of LBP as the most commonly affected body part. The risk of LBP increased with age for coal miners (OR 1.02; p<0.001; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03). LBP was associated with postures with extreme wrist bending (OR 1.30; p<0.05; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.67), awkward work posture (OR 1.77; p<0.001; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.27), prolonged standing (OR 1.14; p=0.01; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24) in the final multivariate models.

Conclusion

Personal and occupational factors were associated with LBP among coal miners. The abnormal posture is one of the important risk factors for LBP, and ergonomic studies will be very important in identifying prevention strategies.
Policy advocacy on child drowning prevention in Thailand
Authors: Gerdmongkolgan S , Ekchaloemkiet S , Siriphanich T
Published: March 2011

Rationale and background

Drowning is the first leading cause of death of Thai children under the age of 15 years old with the mortality per 100 000 population is between 9.3 and 11.5 (2004–2008).

Objective

To advocate child drowning prevention in Thailand.

Methodology

The magnitude of child drowning problems were proposed by mass media and communication especially with focusing on disseminated information that accompanied with important and attractive situation such as Songkran Festival and Loy Krathong Day. The advocated policy was to execute the public policy to be substantial. Implementation of the specific measure showed the interest of executives.

Result

The Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies also assigned child drowning prevention measure such as established the child drowning prevention committees, the child swim able policy, the Day of Child Drowning Prevention, given the knowledge of child drowning prevention policy to the parents who take their children for vaccination in every hospital, child drowning surveillance and investigation, pilot project of model development of child drowning prevention, disseminated the information through mass media with supported from the private sector, and driving for adjusting the related legislation on child drowning prevention. After the implementation, the mortality of child drowning has decreased from 11.1 in 2006, to 9.8 and 9.3 in the years 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Conclusion and recommendations

As a result of wider dissemination of information and implementation of the child drowning prevention specific measure, executives have become a top priority national issue.
Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) due to occupational injuries in east delta region of Egypt
Authors: Eldin W S , Hirshon J M , Smith G S , Kamal A M , Abou-El-Fetouh A , El-Setouhy M
Published: March 2011

Background

Occupational injuries are a public health problem. Determining rates, types and burden of occupational injuries is critical in planning prevention strategies.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiology of occupational injuries in the Eastern Delta industrial region of Egypt and to measure the burden of these injuries in terms of DALYs.

Method

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all individuals with occupational injuries presenting in 2008 to the Nile Insurance Hospital, the main East Delta Hospital for insured patients.

Results

During 2008, there were 2129 occupational injuries presenting to the Nile Insurance Hospital. Cases were 85% males with mean age 30.79 years (range 18 59 years). Ninety-five percent of injuries reportedly occurred inside the workplace, with the most frequent cause (40%) contributed to collision against machines or part of a machine. About 89% of injuries occurred during work; 4.7% of cases occurred going to or from work. Previous work injuries were report by 41% of injured workers. Hands/fingers were the most frequently affected body part. Among different industries present in the East Delta region, the glass/crystal industry had the highest incidence rate of injuries (112.6/1000 workers). Crystal polishing workers were the most frequently injured workers (36.5%). Only 3.1% of injuries resulted in partial disability. The overall reported injuries resulted in 367.53 DALYs.

Conclusions

This study identifies potential high risk industries and occupations in the East Delta region of Egypt. Preventive measures should be targeted against such factors.