bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on blood contact in simulated surgical needle stick injuries with single or double latex gloving
Authors: Kralj N , Wittmann A , Koever J , Gasthaus K , Hofman F
Published: March 2011

Objective

Needlestick injuries are the most common injuries occurring among operation room personnel in the health service. The risk of infection following a needle stick injury during surgery, greatly depends on the quantity of pathogenic germs transferred at the point of injury. The aim of this study was to measure the quantity of blood transferred at the point of a percutaneous injury using radioactively labelled blood.

Design

This study was conducted to evaluate the risk of infection through blood contact by simulating surgical needle stick injuries ex vivo. The tests were conducted by puncturing single and double latex gloves with diverse sharps that were contaminated with 99Tclabeled blood.

Results

On average 0.064 l blood was transferred in punctures with the Unistik3 Normal automatic lancet at a depth of 2.4 mm through one layer of latex. When using the double gloving indicator technique, an average of another 0.011 l was transferred (median 0.007 l), thus, by wearing two pairs of gloves, the transferred volume of blood was reduced by a factor of 5.8.

Conclusion

The results show that double gloving leads to a significant reduction in the quantity of blood transferred during needle stick injury.
How informed are the parents about the burden of injuries?
Authors: Mujkic A , Miskulin M , Crnica V , Kovacic L
Published: March 2011

Objective

Determining the knowledge and attitudes towards injury prevention/safety promotion (IPSP) for pre-school children among Croatian parents of newborn babies.

Participants

351 parents (285 mothers, 66 fathers).

Methods

Anonymous self-administered questionnaire containing demographic items and items on knowledge and attitudes regarding IPSP for pre-school children.

Main Outcome Measures

Knowledge and attitudes towards IPSP for pre-school children.

Results

The answers the parents gave varied greatly for the 40 questions asked. For example: almost all parents showed correct attitudes and knowledge regarding leaving an infant unsupervised in water (99.3% mothers, 100% fathers answered correctly), having pre-school child sitting at the front seat if held by an adult (99.3% mothers, 100% fathers answered correctly) and playground safety (98.2% mothers, 100% fathers answered correctly). An adequate number (73.9% mothers, 76,9% fathers) chose the correct answer on the question related to the storage of chemicals and a similar number (77.5% mothers, 65.6% fathers) said they indeed did store them in the proper manner. It was shocking to see how low they scored on some very important questions: 35.9% mothers and 23.1% fathers recognise child-walkers as dangerous and only 12.7 fathers and 20.0% mothers knew that the safest position for sleeping for an infant is on the back.

Conclusions

Parents play a crucial role in injury prevention/safety promotion as models for their children, their educators and persons in the position to intervene within environment making it safer. Therein lays the importance of their sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes. Our results show a need for further public health education of the parents.
The influence of school variables on the developmental trajectories of delinquency for Asian, African American, Hispanic, and white youth
Authors: Le T , Stockdale G
Published: March 2011

The age-crime curve suggests that delinquency increases during preadolescence, peaks between mid to late adolescence and then decreases thereafter, but that context can moderate psychological and behavioral outcomes of youth. Using two nationally representative data sets, the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and the National Longitudinal Study of Youth (NLSY97), this study examined the effects of school context on the developmental trajectories of delinquency for Asian, African American, Hispanic and white youth in the US Trajectories were modelled using Mplus 5.21 statistical software. In the Add Health data, greater student ethnic diversity resulted in higher initial delinquency estimates at age 13 for all groups and highest for Asians, but teacher diversity had no effect. Instead, greater proportion of female teachers decreased initial estimates for all groups except African American, whereas a larger school size increased the estimates except for Hispanic youth. In both data sets and for all ethnic groups, lower socioeconomicstatusand being US born increased the initial estimates of delinquency, but more positive perceptions of school and higher school achievement lowered the initial estimates. In addition, regardless of initial delinquency at age 13 years, all groups eventually converged to low values in young adulthood, at age 21 years. These results lend support to the age-crime curve theory that different racial/ethnic groups have similar developmental trajectories for delinquency. It also highlights the importance of school context in moderating the initial value of growth patterns for delinquency.
A non-biased evaluation of blood alcohol concentrations in drivers
Authors: Siman-Tov M , Peleg K
Published: March 2011

Background

Over the past decade the consumption of alcohol in Israel has been on the rise and the role of alcohol in driver-related injuries in Israel is unknown. Monitoring blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) among drivers is not routine and confounded by numerous methodological issues.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted to examine the BAC of drivers admitted as trauma patients due to motor vehicle crashes. Data were collected for 22 months over a 3-year period (2006–2008). Non-identifiable patient numbers were assigned to each driver. Questionnaires regarding injury characteristics were completed by trauma room staff. Excess blood samples according to the assigned patient numbers were used to identify BAC.

Results

Approximately 15% of injured drivers had a BAC≥0.05 g/dl (positive BAC). The majority of drivers were males under 30 years old. Drivers with a positive BAC had a higher prevalence of self accidents, rolling over, crashes at an intersection and disregard of seatbelt use.

Conclusions

This is the first study to systematically quantify BAC among drivers in Israel by using untraceable results. We found a substantially high prevalence of positive BAC among hospitalised drivers. At-risk groups for alcohol-related driver crashes were identified. We recommend that this study be used as a basis for preventive and enforcement strategies for reducing alcohol-related driver crashes.
Social inequality in accidental drowning in Denmark 2001–2006
Authors: Müller H , Laursen B
Published: March 2011

Background

Drowning remains the second most frequent injury related cause of death worldwide. Research on socio-economic disparities in the risk of injuries has established evidence of an association between lower social groups and higher injury risk. However, the association varies according to type of injury, level of analyses, and setting. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to explore the association between SES and accidental drowning.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the social profile of victims of drowning in Denmark and identify groups at particular high risk of drowning.

Methods

All death certificates related to drowning were reviewed and coded a new for 2001–2006. This information was linked to social data of the deceased.

Results

We found a strong association between lower social groups and higher injury risk, especially in population groups outside the labour marked. The incidence rates per 100 000 were as follows: pensioners (1.44), persons receiving social disability pension (3.20), and other receiving social benefits 6.38. For victims employed at the time of death employees at high/medium skill level had the lowest risk (0.34), followed by self-employed (0.77), and employees at basic or unspecified level (0.87). Unemployed (0.34) and students (0.50) had some of the lowest rates. Most drowning incidents occurred in or around harbours (28%), during leisure boating (18%) and bathing from beaches or in public pools (17%).

Conclusion

The marked social inequality in drowning death in Denmark warrants targeted interventions and information to groups at risk.
Enhancing emergency response services in a developing country through community efforts
Authors: Olebunne K , David O , Maxwell A , Ojugbana C
Published: March 2011

Statement of Purpose

Reliable records on the spot of road crashes in Nigeria indicate that about 55% of deaths occur as a result of lack of prehospital attention. PATVORA, an NGO, during the UN Road safety week (2007) launched its pilot scheme on community First Aid (FA) by training of petrol station attendants on major highways.

Objective

This study seeks to examine PATVORAs community FA initiative and its impact on road injury and death reduction.

Method

This study investigated PATVORAs free training on FA administration to petrol station attendants Asaba-Onitsha and Asaba-Kwale two major highways of about 110km. Trained attendants, community members were interviewed. Official records of road traffic injuries were obtained from the police.

Summary of Results

In the initial 4 months of operations, a total of 181 attendants were trained on FA, 28 road crashes were recorded. 20 of the road crash scenes witnessed timely help from the trained petrol stations first aiders. The attendants contributed in administering first help and mobilising support for early transportation of victims to hospitals. The community FA initiative enhanced volunteering for road safety and it strengthened the capacity of communities and individuals to respond to and reduce the impact of road crashes. The initiative was an efficient for community safety development especially on rescue operations and can be useful in developing communities.
Effect of a local ban of a restriction in the number of hours to expend liquors in relation with violence during 2005–2008 in one District of Lima, Per
Authors: Malaga H , Gonzalez M , Huaco C , Sotelo M
Published: March 2011

Background

The most violent area in Lima City was La Victoria,to control it, the local government restrict the hours of expenditure of alcoholic beverage.

Objective

To compare one district with the law, against other without the law.

Material and methods

To analysed results clinical histories of one Hospital (2006 vs 2007–2008) and necropsies (2005–2006 vs 2007–2008) from La Victoria and Cercado de Lima were used.

Results

In La Victoria, occurs a reduction of aggressions of 40.7% and 36.4% in 2007 and 2008, in relation to 2006 (p≤0.014). This negative tendency in aggressions, is related with the ban Y=−11.25+27.32X (p≤0.02). This occurs mainly in young males victims by quarter and weekends. The homicides diminish 44% (p≤0.0186) and 35% of the suicides. The reduction of homicides happens in three quarters, Sundays and weekends, and with suicides at the second semester. The ratio female/man in homicides changes from 1 in 7.3 to 1 in 4.6. There was a significant increase of alcohol in death bodies from 20.3 to 41.5%, RR=2.03 (95% CI 1.09 to 3.8) and a X2=5.24 (p≤0.022). In El Cercado there were no changes. Homicides occurs mainly in single men, of low level of education.

Conclusions

The ban has a probably impact reducing violence. The relative increase of homicides with alcohol could be linked to the reduction of just the impremeditated violence.
Systematic review of community-based studies of unintentional injuries in children in south east Asian countries
Authors: Pant P R , Towner E
Published: March 2011

Aim

To perform a systematic review of community-based studies on unintentional injuries in children in WHO's South-East Asian countries to summarise and compare rates of and risk factors for injuries.

Background

Globally, injuries are among the leading causes of death and disease burden in children. The proportion of deaths due to injuries is significantly higher in the South-East Asia region. However, there is big difference in the mortalities within the region.

Methods

Medline, Embase and CINAHL were searched for publications on all types of unintentional child injuries in this region published between 01 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. Data were extracted to standard spreadsheets and narratively synthesised.

Results

A total of 32 studies from six countries were included in the review. There were 13 studies on all injuries, 6 on RTIs, 5 on animal bites, 3 each on drowning and disasters, and 3 on burns. Rates of non-fatal injuries varied from 14 per 1000 (Thailand, 1–17 year), 15 (Bangladesh, 0–17 year), 24 (India, 0–14 year), 220 (Sri Lanka, 0–19 year), with rates among rural children higher in all countries. The rates for fatal injuries ranged from 37/100 000 in Thailand to 44/100 000 in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Community-based studies have shown the extent of the problem of unintentional injuries in children and young adolescents. Insights from the review will be used in the development of a community-based study of children aged 0–17 years in Nepal.
Youth violence and knives in the WHO European Region
Authors: Sethi D , Hughes K , Bellis M A , Mitis F
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Injuries and violence are the leading cause of death in youth aged 10–29 years in the WHO European Region. Among these interpersonal violence is the third leading cause of injury death. There is growing concern about violence due to knives.

Aim and Methods

The purpose of the paper is to present the scale of the problem of youth violence related to knives, to describe the policy priority afforded to it, and the evidence based measures available. Information had been obtained from WHO information sources, a systematic review of the literature and a survey of health ministry focal persons to determine policy developments and implementation.

Results

Data from 36 participating countries from the Region show that there were 2280 youth homicides from knives, making up 34% of all youth homicides (range 7–80%) and that mortalities are twice higher in low- to middle-income countries compared to high-income countries and 2.4 times higher in males compared to females. Half the respondent countries reported that knives were a problem, but this only received political priority in three countries. Although the evidence base specific to knife violence prevention is limited, that for youth violence prevention is growing. The majority of these programmes are multisectoral.

Conclusions

This emphasizes that greater policy priority needs to be given to this leading cause of death and disfigurement. The health sector needs to commit more to the implementation of effective programmes and to engage with other stakeholders in a multisectoral response to prevent youth violence.
Support mechanisms among older patients – a qualitative study from Pakistan
Authors: Khan S M , Laflamme L
Published: March 2011

As ageing is an upcoming issue in low-income countries, an increase dependence on familial support is expected. Yet, traditional familial support mechanisms are threatened by declining family size, urban migration and globalisation. Our aim for this qualitative study was to explore the personal experiences and perception of elderly Pakistani patients about social and family support dynamics. The study was nested in a larger quantitative study. Patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital were interviewed.

Content analysis of data resulted in identification of one main theme, “Ageing exposes limitations in the support systems to address disability, reliance and vulnerabilities” and two sub-themes, (1) Disability and Vulnerability; (2) Support and Expectation.

The driving forces behind limitation in the support systems were functional disability, illness, inability to pay for healthcare, and disobedience and expectations from children. In addition, due to lack of old age social benefit systems elderly became dependent on their children for their physical and emotional care. They perceived old age as a tough stage of life, and felt themselves as a financial burden on their children. The elderly cited the concern regarding deteriorating social support system due to a crumbling value system of the society. Further, looking after the elderly was a value and responsibility of the children, society and government. Most of the participants refused to avail alternative accommodation like old homes, as they wanted to live with their loved ones in the current setup even with all difficulties. Strengthening of systems could enable elderly to cope.
The effect of a celebrity death on children's injury-related emergency department visits
Authors: Keays G , Pless I B
Published: March 2011

Background

Following a skiing-related head injury death of the actor Natasha Richardson, we noted a marked increase in injury-related visits to the Emergency Department (ED) of the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH). We assumed these visits were driven by media coverage, which would be greater in Quebec than elsewhere in Canada.

Methods

Using data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), we compared visits to the MCH-ED for 10 weeks beginning in March. We also compared visits for the event week with the averages for the same week in the preceding 16 years. We noted the percent of MCH-ED visits that were for head injuries. Finally, we examined the same 10-week patterns for children's hospitals in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

Results

We found a 60% increase at the MCH for the event week compared with the first week of March and 66% increase compared to the 16-year average. We noted that for the event week 43.7% of injury visits were for head injuries compared with 28.8% (16-years average). There was, however, no change in ratio of severe head injuries. The increase in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver was 24%, 23% and 22% respectively over the first week of March.

Interpretation

These data suggest that the media coverage of this celebrity death which involved a failure to seek medical attention, generated anxiety among parents, prompting them to bring children to the ED who might not otherwise have sought medical care.
Disability among older citizens and its association to familial support – a study in a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad (Pakistan)
Authors: Khan S M , Laflamme L
Published: March 2011

As ageing is an upcoming issue in low-income countries, an increase in the prevalence of functional disability among older citizens is expected, paralleled with increase dependence on familial support.

The study examines the occurrence of functional disabilities among older people in a low-income setting and its association with individual familial support.

Data were gathered from a sample of 136 patients aged 60+ years attending a tertiary healthcare hospital in Islamabad. Assessments of functional disability (ADL and IADL) and familial support were made using a standardised questionnaire. Disability (yes/no) was assessed for each of 15 functional disability items. Thereafter, the association between disability (on any item) and each (also dichotomised) component of three dimensions of familial support (instrumental; social and emotional) was measured using Fisher exact test (a total of 15 components). 69% of the subjects qualified as disabled. Disability was more common in IADL than ADL activities. There was a significant difference between disabled and non-disabled persons as regards several forms of instrumental support they received, to the benefit of the disabled. There was not much difference in social and emotional support. The fact of being disabled seems to be associated with individual sociodemographic status, to the detriment of women, illiterate and non earners.

Disability is prevalent among older people in Pakistan, occurs at an early age and is associated with the familial support received, particularly instrumental support. There is a need to understand these associations better to allow older people to realise their healthy life potential.
Gaining driving experience through accompanied driving from age 17 compared to driving with conventional obtaining of a licence at age 18
Authors: Funk W
Published: March 2011

Results from the process evaluation of the accompanied driving pilot scheme will be compared with results from a survey of 18-year-old young drivers in the German Novice Driver Study 2005, both conducted throughout Germany. 3780 17-year-old drivers driving with an adult attendant were interviewed as many as four times throughout the accompanied driving pilot scheme, that is, from starting accompanied driving until they were issued with a regular driving licence at age 18. Their mileage, trip durations, destinations, passengers, time of day while driving, type of roads driven on and other traffic conditions while gaining driving experience will be compared to a subsample of 2814 18-year old conventionally trained young drivers surveyed in the first year after obtaining a licence. The socio-demographic and socio-economic status of the two driver populations, their extra motives while driving and technical aspects of the cars used will also be compared. The results will clearly show the typical characteristics of the accompanied driving model, that is, practising and gaining driving experience in a prolonged driver preparation period, compared to the ordinary driving behaviour of 18-year olds, focusing on their individual mobility with a car.
Road safety agencies partnering with volunteers: the Nigerian model
Authors: Ramalan Y M
Published: March 2011

In February 1988, the Federal Government of Nigeria created the Federal Road Safety Commission through Decree No. 45 of the 1988 as amended by Decree 35 of 1992. The functions of the Commission relates to: preventing or minimising accidents/collision on the highway; clearing obstructions on any part of the highways; Educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public generally on the proper use of the highways. The enabling act, (CAP 141 Laws of the Federation 1990) provides that a body known as the Federal Road Safety Commission shall consist of uniformed and non-uniformed members. The non-uniformed members or Special Marshals are the volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Commission. The Act empowers the Special Marshals to carry out patrol, rescue and other activities that ensure good road usage on our highways. They also take part and occasionally sponsor researches, public education and other activities of the commission. Enrolment into the Special Marshal arm of the commission shall be on group or individual basis. All Special Marshals must be kitted with the prescribed regalia and identity cards (ID). In the event of any Special Marshal leaving the outfit, he/she must surrender his kits and ID card to the Commanding Officer. 1.
Motivation to attend motorcycle training course for beginning rider
Authors: Waiyanate N , Aniwattakulchai P , Sigama T
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Motorcycle represents the highest number of vehicle in Thailand, the increasing of motorcycle registry cause effects to the number of accident injuries and death. The first two age groups of injuries are 20–29 and 10–19 years old. Statement of the problem from the previous research show experience in accident and injury rider who learnta skill practice by themselves and their friend are the most high risk group. A safety riding program can decrease 30% of injury, but only 0.03% of Thai riders has been learnt this course. How to increase number of riders passing a safety riding training course. The propose of survey and interview about learning process for riders license and evaluate attitude of beginning rider toward the licensing examination.

Method

A self-reported survey rider who get in to a licensing process at land Transportation Authority Office (LTAO)and a safety riding school.

Results

Altogether 246 (LTAO) rider and 84 (A-P Honda rider) Most of beginning riders start to practice riding when younger than 15 years old. Learning from parents and practice by themselves on road in neighbourhood, reason to test at (LTAO) not convenient to go to riding school, easy and simple to skill test and disagree with the law everybody need to attend a riding school. Rider from safety driving school agree that it is useful for riding skill improvement, training cost time period lecture and practice are suitable.

Recommendation

Convince people that long time training can improve riding skill experience.
Epidemiology of some sport injuries among physical education college students
Authors: Ray M K Jui , Kohandel M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

At the moment, students at universities, colleges and other institutes represent an increasingly large proportion of the total population of young people over 18 years of age. There is a need for injury prevention programs among students at the universities and colleges. For this aim, we must to recognise the epidemiology of injuries among them because physical education students are at risk of injury in the practical class such as gymnastics, football, wrestling, volleyball and basketball or some physical activities. So, their health beliefs and health-related behaviours are important because, as future professionals, senior managers and policy makers, they may be in a position to have an influence over other people's health and it is very important to future life of them.

Methods

Sports-related injury data were collected from a questionnaire survey during the 2006–2009 academic years from 400 physical education male and female students' in Islamic Azad University Karaj branch representative severe injuries was defined as any injury that resulted in the loss of more than two weeks of sports participation.

Results

The common sports involved in injuries were football (33%), futsal (24%), basketball (15%), volleyball (11%), tae kwon do (10%) and swimming (7%). The lower limb usually took the brunt of the injuries (57%) followed by the upper limb (28%), head and face (12%) and spinal injuries were relatively uncommon (3%). The majority of the injuries were mild to moderate and the commonest ones were contusion (41%), sprains (22%), wound (19%), strains (11%) and cramp (7%). Some students (38%) reported at least one injury requiring medical attention in year and (62%) of they were self-treated. However, a significant group of more severe injuries was recorded: fracture, dislocation and meniscus injury which demanded special medical attention and longer period for recovery. The preventive aspects of sports injuries was not well recognised with only 40% of the students regularly practicing warm-up exercises, 18% stretching exercises and 4% using protective aids.

Discussion/conclusion

This study indicates that, if programmers have information about injury among university students they can reduces risk of injuries in practical classes especially football, futsal, and other activities that they are high risk sports. So, it is necessary and important for injury prevention programs among students at the universities, colleges and institutes. Programs need to disseminate the risk of disabling injury, particularly that attributable to participation in sport/physical activity. Our results indicates that severe injury rates and patterns varied by sport, gender and type of exposure.
Transient risk factors for slipping in limited-service restaurants – a case-crossover study
Authors: Verma S K , Lombardi D A , Chang W R , Courtney T K , Huang Y H , Brennan M J , Mittleman M A , Ware J H , Perry M J
Published: March 2011

This study examined the associations between rushing, distraction and walking on contaminated floors and the risk of slipping. Effect modification by hours worked per week, job tenure and use of slip-resistant shoes were also examined. Workers from 36 limited-service restaurants in the USA were recruited to participate in a 12-week cohort study of workplace slipping. At baseline, participants reported average work hours, average duration of exposure to each transient risk factor, and job tenure at the current location. Use of slip-resistant shoes was determined by noting the presence of a slip-resistant marking on the sole. During the following 12 weeks, participants reported their slip experience weekly and reported exposures to the three transient exposures at the time of the slip. Among 396 participants who reported baseline information, a total of 210 participants reported one or more slips during the follow-up period. The rate of slipping was significantly increased by rushing (RR=2.9, 95% CI 2.5 to 3.3), distraction (RR=1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.0) and walking on a contaminated floor (RR=14.6, 95% CI 12.6 to 17.0). Use of slip-resistant shoes decreased the effects of rushing and walking on a contaminated floor. RR for all three transient factors decreased monotonically as job tenure increased. The results suggest the importance of these transient risk factors, particularly floor contamination, on risk of slipping in limited-service restaurant workers. Stable characteristics reduced the effects of transient exposures.
Pediatric violence-related injuries presenting to the emergency department: epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: Gorgos A , Hervouet-Zeiber C , Dunand L , Rousseau E
Published: March 2011

Background

Physical violence frequently brings victims to seek care in emergency departments, providing opportunity for prevention.

Objective

To describe physical aggression-related injuries in youth 5–19 years presenting to an urban emergency department and identify risk factors.

Methods

We used retrospective data from one paediatric tertiary centre affiliated with the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program. Intentional injuries inflicted by other youth were examined from 1998 to 2007. Injuries were classified by age groups and characterised according to type, body part involved, place where they occurred, mechanism and disposition of the patient.

Results

Five hundred four visits for non-accidental physical injuries were identified. There were 395 (78%) males. Thirty-nine (8%) patients were 5–9 years-old, 251 (50%) were 10–14 years-old and 214 (42%) were 15–19 years-old. Injuries were superficial (23%), open wounds (21%), concussions (19%) and fractures (17%). The head and face were involved most frequently (63%). When information was available, 50% of injuries occurred at school (153 of 306), and 63% involved bodily force (190 of 300). Twenty-five (5%) were admitted to the hospital for more severe injuries.

Conclusion

In this study, most physical aggression-related injuries in youth occurred in 10–19 year-old boys, involved the head and face, occurred at school and resulted from bodily force. A small minority of patients were admitted. Youth that have been assaulted can be targeted for intervention and follow-up in order to manage the physical and psychological sequelae, as well as prevent their repeated victimisation, their possible evolution into perpetrators and enhance their empowerment.
How to prevent suicide events at the community level
Authors: Cho J Pil , Henriksson B , Horte L G , Beskow J , Osorno J , Svanström L
Published: March 2011

How to prevent suicide events at the community level. To be delivered as a panel presentation and discussion during the 10th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, London, UK. Chaired by Professor Leif Svanstrom, WHO CC on Comm Safety Promotion.

Background

The Safe Community movement has spent 35 years developing local prevention of accidents, 15–20 years to prevent injuries caused by violence and a decade or so trying to meet the expectations of communities facing a growing problem of preventing suicidal episodes.

Panel participants

Dr Choung Ah Lee, MD, S Korea: The role of hospital and emergency departments in suicide prevention; Professor Lars-Gunnar Horte, Sweden: How common are suicidal events? Epidemiological issues; Professor Jan Beskow, Sweden: Accidents and Suicide attempts- two sides of the same coin? Professor Leif Svanstrom, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden: The role of the International Safe Community Movement in preventing suicidal events.
Patterns of helmet use among San Francisco Bay Area motorcyclists
Authors: Tsui C , Rice T M
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the methods used in a survey of San Francisco Bay Area motorcyclists, the patterns of helmet use among respondents, and the associations between personal characteristics and helmet types chosen by motorcyclists.

Methods

Out of 860 San Francisco Bay Area motorcyclists, 269 were sampled at recreational riding areas, 549 were sampled by leafleting motorcycles parked in public areas in 5 SFBA cities and 42 were sampled by postings on motorcycling Internet venues. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to address missing values. Multivariable analysis was conducted using ordinal logistic regression, with the primary response variable being adequate helmet usage. Covariates included age, sex, motorcycle type, riding experience, riding frequency, annual miles ridden, primary purpose of riding, and sample method.

Results

Seventy-one percent were always adequately helmeted while 3% were never adequately helmet. Being African American (OR 2.8), riding a Cruiser motorcycle (OR 2.7) and riding for more than 10 years were associated with higher frequency of inadequate helmet use, while riding a Sport motorcycle was associated with decreased odds of inadequate helmet use (OR 0.44).

Conclusions

This study has identified characteristics of riders who lack adequate helmet protection. These results may aid in designing targeted education or injury prevention programs to increase and improve helmet use.
A collaborative program to reduce scald injury in The District of Columbia
Authors: Woods J , Hollowed K , Pavlovich A , Lamb E , Shupp J
Published: March 2011

In the US scald injuries account for close to 44% of all paediatric burn injuries. Approximately 110 000 paediatric scalding injuries occur as the result of spilled food or beverages, pulling pots off the stove, bumping into an adult carrying hot foods or liquids and from tap or bath water. The DC Firefighters Burn Foundation (DCFFBF) secured grant funding and purchased 26 000 bath scald prevention thermometers (20 000 printed in English and 6000 printed in Spanish). These thermometers were approximately the size of a credit card and can be submerged in bath or tap water to determine if the temperature is safe for children. These thermometers were distributed to Labor and Delivery units in the eight inner city hospitals as well as the Burn Center at Washington Hospital Center and the Burn Clinic at Children's National Medical Center. 25 000 spill proof coffee mugs were also purchased and distributed to parents in the area as another proactive measure to prevent scald injuries among children. Providing these tools for parents, will hopefully help to decrease the incidence of scald injuries, and raise awareness about the importance of burn injury prevention. Admission information is currently being monitored at the regional burn centres to assess for a reduction in injuries among this population.
Coroners recommendations and the prevention of fatal injury
Authors: Bugeja L , Ibrahim J E , Ozanne-Smith J , Brodie L , McClure R
Published: March 2011

Introduction

A purported strength of the medico legal death investigation system (coroner or medical examiner) is the provision for formal recommendations to be made about the prevention of fatal injury. Recent changes in the United Kingdom and Australia are requiring organisations to respond to coroners recommendations.

Aim

To describe the nature of coroners recommendations for injury fatalities in Victoria, Australia using a novel model.

Methods

Injury fatalities investigated by the coroner were extracted for the State of Victoria from the Australian National Coroners Information System (1 July 2000 – 30 June 2005). Unique coroners recommendations were examined by incident using a derived model comprising seven elements important for injury prevention: (1) population at risk; (2) risk/contributing factors; (3) countermeasure; (4) level of intervention; (5) strategy for implementation; (6) organisation; and (7) timeframe for implementation.

Results

Of the 7655 injury deaths (from 7394 incidents) investigated by the coroner, only 456 (6%) deaths (407 incidents) had recommendations, 338 of which were unique. Overall, most unique coroners recommendations described the elements (5) strategy for implementation (n=320, 94.7%) and (3) countermeasure (n=318, 94.1%). Few recommendations described elements (1) population at risk (n=185, 54.7%) or (2) risk/contributing factors (n=175, 51.8%).

Recommendations

About transport-related deaths had the most comprehensive coverage of the seven elements.

Discussion and conclusion

Coroners make few recommendations for the prevention of injury fatalities. There are significant gaps in their formulation with incomplete adherence to the principles of injury prevention. This information is an essential step to improving the formulation of coroners recommendations and optimising their capacity for prevention.
Age characteristics of road users involved in road traffic accidents in China
Authors: Wang S , Qiu J , Zhou J , Liu G
Published: March 2011

Introduction

More and more drivers at large range of age have been participating in road traffic activities in China. This paper is to study age characteristics of road users who involved in road traffic accidents (RTA) in China.

Methods

The data of road crashes and traffic injuries from 2000 to 2008 in China were collected from China Traffic Management Bureau to analyse relationships of age with crash, mortality, responsibility et al.

Results

(1) The road crashes caused by children aged at 1–6 years accounted for 0.22% of all RTA in 2003 and decreased to 0.10% in 2008. The death of these children reached peak in 2002 and the death remained about 2.8% of all RTA death. (2) The proportion of crashes caused by middle-aged persons at age of 41–65 years were increased from 19.31% in 2000 to 27.87% of all RTA in 2008. (3) Crashes caused by over 65 years reached 1.5% of all RTA. But the dead of over 65 years increased to 10.5% of RTA death, it was increasing year by year especially after 2004. (4) 16–45 years old group were still the major part with responsibility for RTA, accounting for over 80% of traffic accidents, it caused 85.0% of RTA and count for 85.37% of RTA death in 2008.

Conclusion

There are more and more middle-age and aged drivers, which may contribute to increase of road traffic accidents and deaths. The death of the older people caused by RTA is increasing gradually.
Analysis of pedestrian road traffic crashes and injuries in Chongqing during 2000–2006
Authors: Qiu J , Liu G , Zhou J , Zhang L , Yuan D , Li G
Published: March 2011

Introduction

With enhancement of road traffic conditions the safety of pedestrians is improved in Chongqing. This paper is to analyse accidents involving pedestrians in Chongqing from 2000 to 2006 so as to understand responsibility distribution, accident causes and injury characteristics.

Methods

The data of pedestrian road crashes and injuries in three districts from 2000 to 2006 were collected and input into Road traffic crashes and road traffic injuries database to analyse responsibility distribution, causes, casualties.

Results

9.07% (1702) of total crashes were pedestrian traffic crashes in 7 years. There were 1418 crashes causing injury of pedestrians, accounting for 8.13% of total crashes causing injury and 284 crashes involving death of pedestrians, accounting for 21.66% of total crashes resulting death. The crashes caused by pedestrians led to 2114 injuries, accounting for 4.64% of all injuries and to 438 deaths, accounting for 16.57%. The main causes of these crashes were illegally crossing driveway (74.30%). Of all pedestrian casualties, 57.94% were due to illegally crossing driveway.15.43% of the casualties were on the crosswalk.

Conclusions

The crashes caused by pedestrians have higher proportion of death than that of injuries. Illegally crossing driveway is the main cause for these crashes. It is worth noticing that a rather high proportion of pedestrians are impaired on the crosswalks, indicating that we should pay more attentions to protecting right of pedestrians on the crosswalks.
Indigenous engagement and experiences in a National Injury Study
Authors: Wyeth E H , Hokowhitu B , Derrett S , Langley J D
Published: March 2011

Context Māori, the indigenous population in New Zealand, have been subject to research and associated policies with negative consequences. Researchers have been challenged by Māori to conduct research that is acceptable, accountable and relevant. Much of this debate has taken place within the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty of cession signed between Māori and British Crown representatives in 1840.

Objectives

Our cohort study, the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study, aims to quantitatively identify predictors of disability following injury, and qualitatively explore lived experiences and perceptions of injury outcomes. This presentation examines how, in developing this study, we responded to the Treaty. We will present the Māori qualitative results. Key Messages Our responses to the Treaty included: consultation with Māori, questionnaire translation, appointment of interviewers fluent in Māori, over-sampling Māori participants to allow Māori-specific analyses, and a Māori-specific qualitative component. Māori experiences reported in the qualitative component are varied and include: job loss, depression, loss of faith in the health system and family stress.

Discussion

While much of this presentation turns on New Zealands history, we believe it is of relevance to health researchers in other former settler societies. Rather than presenting an ideal model for population-level research, we hope that by describing our efforts, we can prompt wider debate of the complex realities of the research environment, which is both scientifically and culturally located. The qualitative study allows us to explore, in greater depth, the factors that contribute to injury outcomes for Māori specifically.
Nonfatal drowning in children and young people in Queensland (Australia) 2002–2008
Authors: Wallis B , Watt K , Franklin R , Nixon J A , Kimble R
Published: March 2011

Literature exists on fatal drowning events, however, the incidence, mechanisms and consequences of nonfatal drowning episodes remain largely unexplored. Additionally, drowning episodes among adolescents have not been previously studied in detail in Queensland. The overall aims of this study are to: (1) determine morbidity of drowning in young people (0–19 years) in Queensland, Australia, from 2002 to 2008; (2) describe injuries and outcomes associated with drowning incidents; and (3) examine risk and preventable factors of drowning. Retrospective data on approximately 800 nonfatal drowning events among children 0–19 years were collated from multiple sources (prehospital; emergency department; admitted patients). These data were supplemented by injury surveillance data and detailed trauma data where possible. Preliminary analyses indicate that nonfatal drowning episodes occur in pools and spas in more than half (58%) of hospital admissions, followed by natural water bodies (12%) and bathtubs (10%). Additional preliminary analyses of non fatal incidents will be discussed. This project will provide the most accurate estimate possible of the incidence of nonfatal drowning episodes among 0–19 year olds in Queensland during 2002–2008, as well as information about risk factors for these events. Robust and comprehensive data are crucial to effectively inform injury prevention, in order to set priorities and identify points at which interventions will be most effective. This project has ethics approval and is funded by the Queensland Injury Prevention Council. Data were obtained from Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Health and Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit.
Child injury in an urban Australian indigenous community: the safe koori kids intervention
Authors: Clapham K , Khavarpour F , Bolt R , Stevenson M
Published: March 2011

Objective

To design and evaluate an intervention targeting urban indigenous Australian children in order to increase their self-efficacy, knowledge and attitudes towards safety.

Methods

The Safe Koori Kids intervention was developed and delivered to 790 children primary school aged children (13% indigenous) in 24 middle and upper primary classes across five schools in Sydney, Australia. The intervention, consisting of five safety modules, was evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. A pre-test post-test research design was applied to evaluate changes in key outcomes namely child self-efficacy, knowledge and attitudes towards safety. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from teachers.

Findings

There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in self-efficacy among children from pre- to post-intervention for both Indigenous (6%) and non-Indigenous children (2%). Safety knowledge among Indigenous children increased from pre- to post intervention by 17% (p<0.01) and non-Indigenous children by 15%, (p<0.01). However, there were no significant improvements in attitudes towards safety (indigenous children 2%, p=0.288, non-Indigenous children 1%, p=0.0721). Overall, Indigenous children scored lower than non-Indigenous children post intervention on self-efficacy (75%:77%), knowledge (56%:63%) and attitudes towards safety (79%:84%). Teacher focus groups provided further evidence of the programs impact on children's safety knowledge and attitudes.

Conclusions

The study contributes to our limited knowledge about effective child injury prevention for disadvantaged Indigenous minorities in high income countries. This is the first intervention of its type in an urban indigenous setting in Australia which has positively contributed to the resilience of indigenous children and families with respect to safety and their environment.
The potential of premarital education as a means of prevention of intimate partner violence against women: opinions of husbands and wives-to-be and gatekeepers in an Iranian city
Authors: Hamzeh B , GarousiFarshi M , Laflamme L
Published: March 2011

Changing a pattern of violent behaviour is more difficult than learning not to use violence from the beginning. Premarital education is one of several means that can contribute to building relationship skills. The object of this study was to investigate to what extent and in what way gatekeepers who educate couples at premarital educational centres, as well as husbands and wives-to-be that undergo such training consider that premarital education can help to prevent intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Data were gathered in an Iranian city by means of purposive sample for gatekeepers (eight instructors and supervisors) and convenience sampling for future husbands and wives (9 men and 13 women), approached at premarital educational centres. A semi-structured protocol was used to face to face interview the participants on for example, the potential role of premarital educational programs in prevention of IPVAW and their suggestions for a course curriculum. Almost all the husbands and wives-to-be and the instructors considered that premarital education could help to prevent IPVAW but none of the supervisors did. Suggestions for the course curriculum dealt with skills training rather than awareness-raising. A number of answers strongly reflected a tendency to put the blame on the victim and this calls for particular attention in future program development and prevention work.