bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEASIBILITY OF A ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY SURVEILLANCE INTEGRATING POLICE AND HEALTH INSURANCE DATASETS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Authors: Salmi LR , Puello A , Bhatti J
Published: October 2012

Background

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are underreported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Previous work from some LMICs estimated the RTI burden by manually matching records in capture–recapture methods.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This study assessed the feasibility of semi-automated matching of RTI cases in different datasets in a LMIC.

Methods

Study population consisted of RTI reported cases in the Dominican Republic in 2010. After removing duplicates and correcting fatality reporting using forensic data, the police and health insurance RTI records were matched if they had same province, date of crash, and gender of RTI cases and similar age (within 5 years). A multinomial logistic regression model assessed likelihood of being unmatched in either dataset.

Results/Outcomes

Duplicates represented 21.1% of 6396 police and 16.2% of 6178 insurance records. Health insurance recorded 43 of 417 deaths as only injured. Capture–recapture estimated that both datasets recorded one of five cases. Characteristics associated with being unmatched in police dataset were female gender (OR=2.5), age≥16 years (OR=1.7), crash in the regions of Cibao-Northeast (OR=4.1) and Valdesia (OR=6.4), Tuesday to Saturday (1.5≤OR≤2.9), October to December (1.6≤OR≤4.5), and occupant of four-wheeled (OR=5.4) or trucks (OR=5.3).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Semi-automated matching is feasible to reliably ascertain RTI burden in the Dominican Republic, but could be improved by standardised coding of police and health insurance reporting.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEADI—A FALL PREVENTION TOOL KIT FOR US HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Authors: Stevens J , Phelan E
Published: October 2012

Background

Fall injuries in the US result in over 19 000 deaths and 2.2 million emergency department visits, and cost over $28 billion. Research shows that, in a clinical setting, effective fall intervention involves assessing and addressing an individual's fall risk factors. This approach is recommended in the American and British Geriatrics Societies' (AGS/BGS) clinical practice guideline.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To address identified knowledge gaps among healthcare providers regarding fall risk assessment and interventions.

Methods

Researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Injury Center reviewed relevant literature, conducted in-depth interviews with a randomised sample of 18 US healthcare providers, and developed draft resources incorporating the AGS/BGS guideline and input from experts. Resources were reviewed by six focus groups of healthcare providers and revised.

Results/Outcomes

Like previous needs assessments, we found that 94% of providers were unaware of the AGS/BGS guideline and 67% did not routinely screen older patients for fall risk. Providers lacked information about standardised fall risk assessment methods and evidence-based interventions. Providers' suggestions and focus group feedback were incorporated into the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) tool kit. It contains an array of provider resources to help integrate fall prevention into clinical care and tools to link primary health care with community fall prevention programmes.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The STEADI tool kit incorporates formative research results and current knowledge about effective fall interventions. It is a resource designed to help healthcare providers incorporate fall risk assessment and individualised fall interventions into routine clinical practice.
EVALUATION OF A CANADIAN PRIMARY CARE FALL PREVENTION TRAINING AND RESOURCE PACKAGE
Authors: Scott V , Fials B , Miller J
Published: October 2012

Background

Few physicians have the training/resources to include evidence-based fall prevention (FP) strategies as part of their standard practice.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To address this, a Primary Care Fall Prevention (PCFP) package was developed including: an instructional video; fact sheets; a fall risk checklist; and patient handouts. Materials were evaluated to determine effectiveness of the resources to increase knowledge and/or bring about change in physician practice.

Methods

A pre/post survey on fall-related knowledge, use of FP resources/strategies was conducted with family physicians recruited from those with substantial numbers of elderly patients. After applying the package over 4–6 weeks, 11 participated in in-depth phone interviews; 10 provided a follow-up survey.

Results/Outcomes

Out of a max of 17, the average ‘fall-related knowledge’ pre score=10.2 (SD=2.5) and post-survey=13.2 (SD=1.3) (t (9)=2.7, p<0.03). After reviewing resources, 60% were more likely to screen for fall risk; 30% more likely to assess mobility and/or balance; 50% more likely to give fall risk handouts; and 20% more likely to provide information on medication/fall risk. After reviewing materials on fall-prevention strategies, 30% were more likely to provide education on home safety/physical activity/balance exercises; 50% more likely to refer to PT/OT; 40% more likely to provide Vit D guidelines, 50% more likely to provide calcium intake guidelines; and 20% more likely to make referrals to FP programmes. Interviews revealed insights into barriers and facilitators to PCFP.

Significance/Contributions to the Field

The PCFP package increased knowledge and showed some improvements in FP practice among physicians.
ACCURACY OF SELF-REPORT OF ON-ROAD CRASHES AND TRAFFIC OFFENCES IN A COHORT OF YOUNG DRIVERS: THE DRIVE STUDY
Authors: Boufous S , Ivers R , Senserrick T , Stevenson M , Norton R , Williamson A
Published: October 2012

Background

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly among young adults. While surveys are widely used to measure the incidence of on-road crashes and offences, little is known about the validity of self-reports of these events, particularly among young drivers.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To examine the accuracy of self-report of on-road crashes and traffic offences among participants in the DRIVE study: a cohort study of 20 822 drivers, aged 17–24-year-old, recently licensed in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

A total of 2991 DRIVE study participants who completed the follow-up questionnaire, approximately 2 years after joining the study, were asked whether they had been involved in an on-road crash or were convicted for a traffic offence during the year prior to the survey. This information was subsequently linked to police recorded crash and offence data to determine the level of accuracy of these self-reports.

Results/Outcomes

Young drivers reported more crashes and traffic offences than those recorded in the police database during the 1 year study period. The findings showed a high level of accuracy in young drivers' self-report of police recorded crashes (85.1%; 95% CI 78.2% to 92.1%) and of police recorded traffic offences (83.0%; 95% CI 79.4% to 86.6%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The results suggest that surveys may be useful tools for estimating the incidence of traffic crashes and offences in young drivers. The findings are particularly relevant to countries and jurisdictions where access to administrative data is limited.
THE IT'S NOT OK CAMPAIGN: CREATING CHANGE TO END FAMILY VIOLENCE IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Hann S , Pomeroy T
Published: October 2012

Background

A primary prevention and social change approach is needed to address high rates of family violence in New Zealand and create safe communities and families.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The national ‘It's not OK’ campaign aims to change behaviours; mobilise communities; and address social attitudes that support family violence. The current phase aims to increase people's help-seeking and encourage friends/family to take action.

Methods

The Campaign's multi-layered approach is underpinned by social marketing and community development principles. It involves media advertising; partnerships with sports groups, councils, businesses, and networks; media advocacy and training; campaign champions; information line; website; printed and online resources; and research and evaluation.

Results/Outcome

Reach and retention monitoring consistently indicates the recall of the campaign is above 90%. Eighty-one per cent of people believe they could influence someone to change their behaviour; and 31% have taken some action as a result of the campaign (discussed it with friends and family, or asked for help). For Maori and Pacific peoples these figures are higher. Service providers and Police report increased help-seeking, and a more supportive environment for family violence work.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The Campaign is one of the few social change campaigns to have success across different levels of the ecological model, with evidence of personal behaviour changes; increased help-giving by family and friends; mobilised communities, and a shift in social attitudes.
CURRENT FALL PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AT THE US CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Authors: Stevens J
Published: October 2012

Background

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults aged ≥65 years. In the US in 2009, older adult falls resulted in 20 422 deaths and 2.2 million emergency department visits. Fortunately, research has identified a number of effective falls interventions.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To better understand how to encourage widespread adoption of evidence-based fall prevention programmes.

Method

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is addressing falls using a four-step public health model. Current work focuses on step four, translating effective interventions into community-based programmes for widespread adoption. To clarify this process, a pilot project was conducted in which four state health departments implemented two evidence-based effective programmes:Tai chi: Moving for Better BalanceandStepping On.

Results/Outcomes

The pilot project revealed that older adults with differing functional levels need a choice of community programmes, and that community programmes must be linked to clinical practice. CDC is incorporating these lessons into our current activities, which include disseminating newly developed healthcare provider resources to link clinical practice with three community programmes:Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance, Stepping On,and theOtago Exercise Programme.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

People aged ≥65 years are the fastest growing segment of the US population and are particularly vulnerable to falls and fall injuries. To reduce falls, we need a comprehensive approach that incorporates fall prevention into routine clinical practice and links health care practice to community-based fall prevention programmes.
SENIOR SAFETY—A STUDY OF FALL PREVENTION IN 16 NORWEGIAN MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Vaagland EJ , Saghaug E
Published: October 2012

Background

Accidental injuries, particularly falls, is a hazard to health and quality of life for elderly, a burden for their relatives, and a large cost for society. In Norway app. 10 000 suffer from hip fractures annually. The number of senior citizens will increase dramatically the coming years—and it will be even more important to prevent these accidents.

Objectives

To demonstrate that senior safety can be improved and falls prevented by different means of cross sectorial interventions, and that cooperation between the public system and voluntary organisations gives new possibilities.

Method

The 16 participating municipalities functioned as a laboratory for different fall preventing interventions, and as an arena for different types of partnerships and models of cooperation between public and private institutions and NGOs. The local programmes were based on local conditions. More than 40 NGOs participated in the local activities. The ‘Senior Safety’-study was carried out by the Norwegian Safety Forum in 2007–2009. It focused on elderly above 65 years of age.

Results

Fall among elderly can be reduced with different means of interventions.

Cross sectorial cooperation, where community based services interact with local NGOs is a winning method. All the participating municipalities are under the Norwegian average for hip fractures.

Significance

Co-operation where all parts meet on an equal terms promotes a good result. Support from local administration and local politicians is a benefit. Many of these interventions are now part of the local long-term health programmes for elderly.
‘FLIP’ A METHOD FOR PLANNING COMMUNITY SAFETY PROMOTION PROGRAMMES: FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT BEGINS BY MAKING THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Hanson D , Lloyd J , Gunning C , Rose J
Published: October 2012

Background

Designing effective safety promotion programmes is about finding creative solutions to the tension between visionary dreams and practical solutions. Nothing will be achieved unless you have the vision to imagine a better reality for yourself, your family, your friends and your community, but nothing can be achieved unless you have the pragmatism to seek out effective solutions. Big problems must be broken down into components that can be solved. Big plans must be broken down into incremental steps that can be achieved.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This workshop will demonstrate ‘FLIP’, a comprehensive system for helping communities design effective evidence based safety promotion programmes.

Method

‘FLIP’ guides participants through six simple steps that culminate in the formulation of a comprehensive project plan.

1. Identify the problem, then ‘FLIP’ to your goal.

2. Analyse the problem.

3. Having identified the key causes of the problem, ‘FLIP’ to your objectives.

4. Find solutions to achieve your objectives.

5. Implement the programme.

6. Evaluate the programme.

Results/Outcomes

Unfortunately, the same mistake is made over and over again. People race to the solutions before taking the time to understand the problem. This is a guaranteed way to end up solving the wrong problem! It's not hard, provided you remember to ‘FLIP’. Start by making sure you understand the problem, then ‘FLIP’ to the solutions.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

By eliminating needless jargon, ‘FLIP’ seeks to facilitate an open transdisciplinary dialogue in which everyone, researchers, practitioners and the target community, can constructively contribute to the planning process.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SWIMMING LESSONS, URBANISATION, AND DROWNING IN TAIWAN
Authors: KAo W , Guttmacher S , Yaffee R
Published: October 2012

Background

Unintentional drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In 2004, approximately 388 000 people died from drowning, of which 96% occurred in LMIC. In 2001, the Taipei city government launched a school-based swimming programme aimed to reduce drowning. An evaluation of the impact of the swimming programme provides a better understanding to further prevent this global public health burden.

Research Objectives

1. to examine the impact of a comprehensive school-based swimming programme on drowning;

2. to explore the association between urbanisation and drowning.

Methods

(1) Difference in differences (DID) is used to examine the impact of swimming programme on drowning; (2) time-series panel approach is used to assess the association between urbanisation and drowning mortality among 23 jurisdictions from 1980 to 2001.

Results

Swimming education was associated with a faster decline in drowning among policy-intervened groups. A ‘cross-over’ change, of which a policy-targeted group declined faster (from 6.7 to 1.7/100 000) and becomes lower in drowning compared to a non-intervened group (from 5.7 to 3.7/100 000, p value 0.023). Urbanisation was associated with the decline of drowning after controlling for medical services and household disposable income (p value=0.03 in fixed effect, multivariate regression model). Medical service was not associated with the drowning decline in Taiwan.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This study provides empirical evidence supporting a protective effect of a school-based swimming programme. It explained urbanisation as a background influence on drowning in the last few decades before any deliberate intervention was promoted.
NEW APPROACHES AND AUDIENCES FOR BEHAVIOUR CHANGE TO REDUCE CHILD INJURY RISK
Authors: Gielen A , Mcdonald E , Mckenzie L
Published: October 2012

Background

Effective child injury prevention involves taking an ecological approach, intervening at multiple levels of influence. Efforts to change the behaviour of individual children and/or caregivers can be strengthened by addressing environmental influences on injury risk. How to change the behaviour of those who shape these environments is a critical question.

Purpose

To inform research and practice, we provide three case examples of promoting safer environments for children through behaviour change in other audiences—health care providers, manufacturers, and legislators.

Methods

Literature review

Results

(1) The SAFE Home Project changed the delivery of paediatric anticipatory guidance and increased the use of home safety products. Important to success were high levels of institutional support, collaboration among key stakeholders, and the use of behaviour change theory in programme content. (2) Following scald burn educational efforts and the use of warning labels, manufacturers voluntarily agreed to preset new water heaters at 120°F. Motivating this change was concern about variations in requirements across states, a significant burden for companies. (3) Why state legislators vote for injury prevention policies was the subject of one behavioural science study. Constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour predicted voting behaviour.

Significance

As the injury field has matured and there are success stories, it is important to understand how these changes occur at all levels of an ecological framework. Behavioural science theory and methods represents a largely untapped potential for both understanding how change occurs and facilitating it in individuals whose decisions affect the safety of entire populations.
INJURY PREVENTION AMONG FRIENDS: THE BENEFITS OF SCHOOL CONNECTEDNESS
Authors: Chapman RL , Buckley L , Sheehan M
Published: October 2012

Background

Injury is a leading cause of adolescent death. Risk-taking behaviours, including unsafe road behaviours, violence and alcohol use, are primary contributors. Recent research suggests adolescents look out for their friends and engage in protective behaviour to reduce others' involvement in risk-taking. A positive school environment, and particularly students' school connectedness, is also associated with reduced injury-risks.

Aim

This study aimed to understand the role of school connectedness in adolescents' intentions to protect and prevent their friends from involvement in alcohol use, fights, drink driving and unlicensed driving.

Method

Surveys were completed by 540 13–14-year-old students (49% male). Four sequential logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether school connectedness statistically predicted intentions to protect friends from injury-risk behaviours. Gender and ethnicity were entered at step 1, students' own risk behaviour at step 2, and school connectedness scores at step 3 for all analyses.

Results

School connectedness significantly predicted intentions to protect friends from all four injury-risk behaviours, after accounting for the variance attributable to sex, ethnicity and adolescents' own involvement in injury-risks.

Significance

School connectedness is negatively associated with adolescents' own injury-risk behaviours. This research extends our knowledge of this critical protective factor, as it shows that students who are connected to school are also more likely to protect their friends from alcohol use, violence and unsafe road behaviours. School connectedness may therefore be an important factor to target in school-based prevention programmes, both to reduce adolescents' own injury-risk behaviour and to increase injury prevention among friends.
IT'S OUR FAULT: BETTER DEFINING EARTHQUAKE RISK IN WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Van Dissen R , Brackley H
Published: October 2012

Background

It's Our Faultis a comprehensive study of Wellington's earthquake risk, and is jointly funded by New Zealand's Earthquake Commission, Accident Compensation Corporation, Wellington City Council, Wellington Region Emergency Management Group, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Natural Hazards Research Platform.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The project's objective is to position the capital city of New Zealand to become more resilient through an encompassing study of the likelihood of large earthquakes, and the effects and impacts of these earthquakes on humans and the built environment.

Methods

An integrated suite of geological, geophysical, engineering and social science investigations has been undertaken.

Results/Outcomes

Key results to date include better definition and constraints on: (1) location, size, timing, and likelihood of large earthquakes on the active faults closest to Wellington; (2) earthquake size and ground shaking characterisation of a representative suite of subduction interface rupture scenarios under Wellington; (3) stress interactions between these faults; (4) geological, geotechnical, and geophysical parameterisation of the near-surface sediments and basin geometry in Wellington City and the Hutt Valley; and (5) characterisation of earthquake ground shaking behaviour in these two urban areas in terms of, for example, the subsoil classes specified in the New Zealand Structural Design Standard. Work currently underway includes liquefaction assessment, loss estimation, and social ramifications.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

It's Our Faultinvestigations are already supporting measures aimed at risk reduction, and collectively they will facilitate identification of additional actions that, if applied, will have the greatest benefit towards further increasing the region's resilience to earthquakes.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROL AND REPRESSION CAMPAIGNS ON RTA MORTALITY IN A LOW INCOME COUNTRY
Authors: Sobngwi J , Taniform P , Lagarde E
Published: October 2012

Background

On the occasion of the launch of the road safety decade, Cameroon government has conducted a prevention campaign with control and punishment of speeding, and alcohol consumption by drivers on the main intercity roads of Cameroon in June 2011.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the impact of control and punishment campaigns conducted in Cameroon in 2011 on road traffic accident (RTA) numbers and fatality rate.

Methods

We used the computerised database of RTAs in Cameroon, and compared the period preceding the prevention campaign (January–May 2011) to the period of the prevention campaigns (June–December 2011).

Results

Overall 1425 crashes and 1445 death were recorded in 2011, indicating a 47% decrease of RTAs and 9.7% decrease of death compared to 2010. The average number of RTA per month varied significantly form 128 before the campaign to 112 during the intervention (12% decrease). Overall in 2011, there were 101 deaths per 100 injury accident. The average monthly death rate was 136/month before and 109 during the intervention equivalent to 20% reduction in mortality rate. In addition the severity of injury accidents also decreased from 106 deaths per 100 injury accidents before to 98 during the intervention.

Significance

The present results provide evidence of a significant reduction in the number of accidents and deaths by RTA in Cameroon obtained through a control-punishment campaign focusing on speed and alcohol consumption. The positive results concerned mainly the less fatal accidents, indicating the need for combined intervention that would also address road infrastructure and vehicles in order to further decrease mortality.
COMPLETENESS OF INJURY OUTCOME DATA IN A COHORT OF CYCLISTS
Authors: Tin Tin S , Woodward A , Ameratunga S
Published: October 2012

Background

Record linkage to routinely collected national databases is increasingly used in cohort studies as a cost effective strategy to collect outcome events. However, incomplete or imperfect data remains a concern.

Aims

This paper evaluated the completeness of injury outcome data collected in the Taupo Bicycle Study (2590 cyclists followed) for 55 months (1 December 2006 to 30 June 2011).

Methods

Data on injury producing bicycle crashes were collected through record linkage to insurance claims, hospital discharge and mortality data and police reports. A capture recapture analysis using log-linear models was undertaken to estimate the number of undetected cases. A comparison was made with self-reported data collected in a follow-up survey (2009/2010).

Results

Collectively, 1336 crashes (including 755 on road crashes and 120 collisions with a motor vehicle) experienced by 855 participants were identified from the datasets noted. The estimated completeness of data was 73.7% (95% CI 68.0% to 78.7%) for total crashes, 74.5% (95% CI 69.1% to 79.3%) for on road crashes and 83.3% (95% CI 78.9% to 87.6%) for collisions. There was moderate agreement between self-reported and linked data (kappa: 0.55). The agreement varied by participants' demographic characteristics, pre-existing health conditions and confidence in recalling crash events. Considering self-reported crashes as the gold standard, the linked administrative data has 63.1% sensitivity and 93.5% specificity for total crashes and 40.0% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity for collisions.

Significance

Given the substantial underestimation of bicycle crashes in routinely collected data, cohort studies using record linkage need to consider and account for potential biases in analyses.
THE VALUE OF MULTI-SOURCE DATA HARVESTING FOR INJURY MORTALITY DATA: THE JAMAICAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Holder Y , McCaw-Binns A
Published: October 2012

Background

Under-reporting of fatal injuries, especially homicides is common to many Lower and Middle Income Countries and challenges the utility of injury mortality data. Since an evaluation of the vital registration system in 1998, Jamaica has instituted several improvements.

Aim

This evaluation of 2008 mortality data assessed coverage of the vital registration system and quality of the data generated.

Methodology

Data from the national vital registration system was complemented by data from hospital medical records, pathology reports, and police reports for fatal events for 2008. A 1-in-10 systematic sample was drawn and with the additional data gleaned from all sources, the cause of death was recoded, if warranted.

Results

From the sample, more than one in four fatal injuries (29.3%) was not reported in the year's official mortality statistics as an injury death, due to under-reporting and mis-classification. Both factors varied by external cause, with homicides accounting for 42% of missing deaths, and transport injuries, another 14%, while under-reporting was 32% and 26% respectively. Together, they accounted for 56% of all missing deaths. Although actual numbers were smaller, under-reporting losses were 43% for self-harm, 50% for fire/flames, 78% for drowning and 80% for falls. Misclassification of reported injury deaths, further exacerbated the situation, particularly under-estimating homicides, 6.8% of which had been reported as accidental firearm injuries.

Conclusions

Incorporating data from sources other than vital registration identified more than 900 (±200) additional fatal injuries in a mortality database of 19 300, As approximately 500 of these were homicides, it placed the latter on par with diabetes and second only to cerebrovascular disease, with grave implications for priority setting in health policy and planning.
DISTRACTED DRIVING: MOBILE PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING IN THREE MEXICAN CITIES
Authors: Pérez-Nuñez R , Vera-López JD , Hijar M , Hidalgo-Solórzano E , Lunnen JC , Chandran A
Published: October 2012

Background

Studies show that the use of cell phones while driving can increase the risk of crashes by up to four-fold; driver reaction times are increased by an estimated 0.5–1.5 s when talking on a mobile telephone. Although some states in Mexico have passed laws to limit cell phone use while driving, very little is known about its actual prevalence in Mexico.

Objective

To quantify observed cell phone use by car drivers in three specific Mexican cities.

Methods

Two rounds of roadside observations from a group of randomly selected automobile drivers were conducted in June–August 2011 and December 2011–January 2012 in Guadalajara-Zapopan, León and Cuernavaca. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated demographic and environmental risk factors.

Results

A total of 7895 drivers were observed; 10.79% were using cell phone while driving. Cell phone use was highest in Guadalajara-Zapopan (13.96%; 95% CI 12.90 to 15.08), then Leon with (7.80% 95% CI 6.66 to 9.06) and lowest in Cuernavaca (7.42%; 95% CI 6.30 to 8.67). This prevalence remained stable in the two rounds of observations except for Leon where prevalence increased from 5.2 to 10.4 (p=0.000). Variables found to be associated with this risk were the sex (women), age (<18 years) and type of car (particular cars).

Contribution to the Field

This information fills an important gap in knowledge regarding the use of cell phones while driving in the Mexican population. Authorities should use this information to design and evaluate specific, preventive interventions.
CHANGING THE FACE OF NEW ZEALAND'S NATIONAL INJURY REPORTING
Authors: Proffitt C
Published: October 2012

Background

New Zealand has had a national injury prevention strategy since 2003. Until last year, annual monitoring of the Strategy has focused upon producing mortality and morbidity indicators and reporting activity rather than outcomes achieved. In a significant advancement, the New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy Secretariat produced a national Injury Prevention Outcomes Report for the first time in 2011.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The report's objectives were to:

• draw attention to the burden of injury in New Zealand

• highlight success stories in the injury prevention sector

• improve government agency accountability by reporting on long- and mid-term indicators that are expected to affect injury rates

• aid decision-making by Ministers, Chief Executives and government agencies about injury prevention issues, including where attention needs to be focused.

Methods

An outcomes reporting framework was designed, using mortality, morbidity and cost data as high-level outcomes indicators, and determining indicators of mid-term outcomes (such as increased awareness or sub-population injury trend data) for particular injury types. The report also included independent expert commentary on where future gains might be made.

Results/Outcomes

The report drew the Government's attention to the inconsistent levels of public investment for types of injury with similar burdens. It has also contributed to government agencies focussing on outcomes rather than outputs in their own reporting.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Internationally, the report appears to be unique as it is the only national report that attempts to adopt a high level whole-of-injury prevention approach to monitoring progress on reducing the national burden of injury, using a range of traditional mortality and morbidity indicators as well as ‘action’ indicators. The report has been subjected to an independent evaluation, the results of which have been incorporated into enhancing the next edition of the report.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS OF PARENTS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS RELATED TO CHILD SAFETY
Authors: Mickalide A , Ivancovsky M , Mavengere C , Brondum L , Francoia A
Published: October 2012

Background

As the documentary filmBabiesillustrates, children worldwide reach developmental milestones at roughly the same time. Yet rates of childhood injury morbidity and mortality differ vastly from country to country. Understanding cross-cultural differences in parental beliefs and practices is essential to risk reduction and complement the other pillars of child safety strategies—device use, environmental improvements and laws/regulations.

Purpose

The aim is to highlight results of studies on parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours conducted in several SKWW member countries.

Methods

Parents' perspectives were assessed in using a mix of techniques –observational surveys, focus groups, telephone interviews, online surveys, and written questionnaires.

Results

More needs to be done worldwide to educate parents that most injuries are preventable. In Israel, three-fifths of parents believed that being injured while playing is just part of childhood. In Vietnam, two-thirds of parents did not require their children to wear helmets when riding on streets near their homes. In Brazil, most mothers surveyed did not know that injuries led to a high incidence of deaths and hospitalisations. In China, many parents did not know that lack of supervision could lead to drowning and about half knew about pool drain entrapment. In the USA, four-fifths of parents whose children had been injured while playing team sports thought that it was just part of the game and could not have been prevented.

Conclusions

Formative research among parents is essential to effective child safety programmes. This helps to identify gaps in knowledge and guides behavioural change strategies.
PERCEPTION OF SCHOOL-BOUND CHILDREN'S MOTHERS ON ROAD-CROSSING AND OTHER ROAD-SAFETY ISSUES IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Anwar KS , Mollah AH , Monowar SR , Begum A , Ali Molla A , Rahman MMS , Sengupta PK , Nahar N , Karim SA
Published: October 2012

Background

Parents often possess unrealistic expectation on the ability of school-bound children in crossing roads safely. Little is known about mothers' understanding of such unwise-behaviour plunging them into serious road-traffic/RT-injuries. Here, we report mothers' perception on RT-regulations with certain plausible-factor(s) predisposing reckless-attempts of fatal-RTAs.

Purpose

Study perception of such mothers' accompanying school-bound children on RT-regulations/laws; and, examine if mothers' education/knowledge remains plausible-predisposing factor(s) in taking such deadly-attempts of road-crossings.

Methods

We conducted this study among 148 mothers accompanying school-bound-pedestrian children crossing busy city-roads adjacent to nine randomly-selected school-fringes in Dhaka city. Two-tier-methodology was used: assessed mothers' knowledge (using structured-questionnaire), quantitatively and determined perception, qualitatively (Focus Group Discussion-FGDs).

Outcome

Lower-maternal-education (Lo-Mat-Ed) was associated with running-off roads (p<0.02) and inadequate knowledge on RT-safety-regulations/signals (p<0.01). Lo-Mat-Ed was linked with knowledge-gap/faulty-ideas (concentration on ‘school-bag’ than watching traffic-vehicles), (p<0.01). Inadequate knowledge/Lo-Mat-Ed was related to faulty road-crossing (not using zebra-crossing/over-bridge), (p<0.03). Mothers possessing better-knowledge/higher-Mat-Ed recognised RT-signals more-correctly (p<0.009): cross on red (p<0.005) and never on green lights (p<0.03). Risk-estimate-analysis revealed Lo-Mat-Ed as potential risk factor for risky road-crossing (OD=3.1(1.2–8.2)), knowing RT-laws (OD=2.8(1.3–5.7)), signal-lights (OD=3.2 (1.6–6.5)) and safe road-crossing (OD=2.24(1.10–4.57)), etc. Post-FGD transcript-analysis also revealed gross inadequacy in mothers' perception on RT-rules and safe road-crossing mainly due to Lo-Mat-Education.

Significance/Contribution

Parental-education, a primary determinant of health-related-behaviour, requires RT-safety adaptation. Since knowledge alone is not sufficient to institute RT-safety, developing instructive/environment strategies remains imperative, but mother's proficiency on road-safety must be assessed prior to confer responsibility of pedestrian-school-bound-children, as our findings suggest along with imparting intensive-training/education on road-safety.
BLOWN AWAY: CYCLONE RELATED INJURIES
Authors: Franklin RC , Aitken P , Watt K , Leggat P
Published: October 2012

Background

Cyclone Yasi, a category 5 cyclone with wind gusts of up to 290 km/h crossed the Queensland coast near Mission Beach approximately 150 km north of Townsville on the evening of the 2 February 2011. In Townsville 170 000 home were left without power and the estimated damage bill across the region was Australian $3.5 billion.

Aims/Objective/Purpose

To explore the epidemiology of injuries from cyclone Yasi within the Townsville region.

Methods

Data on all cases which presented to TTH were extracted for the periods 31 January 2011 to 8 February 2011 (9 day) and an equivalent period from 2010 for comparison.

Results/Outcome

There were 2003 patients treated at the hospital during this period (note there were only seven people seen between 18:00 2 February and 6:00 3 February); one third of presentations were injury-related which was 39% more than the previous year. Of injured patients, 10% were aged less than 5 years, 22% were aged less than 15 years and 9% were over 70 years of age. 59% were male. The top five injuries during this time were open wound of wrist and hand (6.9%), open wound to head (4.5%), multiple open wounds of ankle and foot (4.5%), sprain and strain of other and unspecified parts of lumbar spine and pelvis (4.1%), and open wound of the scalp (3.6%). Increase in injuries were found for all age-groups especially 50–54 years (272%) (except 15–19 years which decrease by 15%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This is the first time in Australia that the injuries sustained during a cyclone have been explored in such detail.
A MODEL TO ASSESS VIOLENCE AFTER DISASTERS
Authors: Zangi M , Mohammadi R , Nahidi S , Bejestani M Yavari , Varasteh V
Published: October 2012

Background

Although child abuse, sexual violence and suicide after disasters have been studied, remaining sorts of violence as well as prevention measures are still neglected.

Aims

To set up a comprehensive model to assess incidence rate, risk factors and effective prevention measures regarding post disaster violence among risk group and victims, as well as Rescue/Recovery Workers.

Methods

Besides WHO reports and CDC regarding violence and disasters, most relevant scientific articles in Pubmed and Embase were reviewed.

Results

To assess incidence rate and risk factors of post disaster violence, two methods are appropriate: firstly, comparison of severely and less severely exposed/unexposed groups. Secondly, one-group pre test–post test. Starting fieldwork within a few weeks post disaster and then for intermediate and long term is important. Education, environmental change, and law enforcement in different levels are recommended based on incidence rate, risk factors of different kinds of violence as well as disasters. To evaluate the impact and outcome of violence prevention measures, quasi experimental study would be the most appropriate. Besides data registry system, survey and interviews are secure for short and even long term after disasters. Moreover, triangulation is useful by multiple employments of various sources of data. Not only chaos of the settings but also logistical barriers of geographical distance and lack of pre-existing interpersonal networks are expected limitations.

Contribution to the Field

Recognition and prevention of post disaster violence can be carried out by systematic plan with different steps and levels according to multiple sources of data.
CAUTION! PARADIGM SHIFT AHEAD: ‘ADOLESCENT MOBILITY HEALTH’
Authors: Weiss H
Published: October 2012

Background

Adolescents belong to an age group warranting special transport and mobility research and programmes. From a road safety perspective, they carry the largest crash and morbidity/mortality risk of any age group. This has led to considerable research and safety programmes, but these efforts have plateaued in many countries and remain fixed within a road safety perspective. From a broader perspective, little has been done about the many non-traffic health risks related to teen driving (increased drug and alcohol use, anti-social behaviour, sexually transmitted infections, inactivity and obesity). From a sustainable transport perspective, a contemporary imperative, teens are where the transition from non-driver to driver takes place; an opportune time for interventions to minimise environmental harms.

Methods

We introduce a new paradigm termed ‘mobility health’ to bridge the siloed domains of safety, adolescent health and sustainable mobility management. The advantages include:

• A school focus makes them an easy population to identify and offers on-going integration into curricula.

• Giving youth the freedom to choose their mobility options with knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of alternatives.

• Provides settings where peers, teachers and parents can play important roles so it becomes more than an individual choice.

• Healthy mobility habits learned at this age may be engrained for life, making it a smarter investment.

Recommendation

We advocate changing the current narrow paradigm of adolescent road safety to a cross-level/cross-disciplinary, more potent, timely and healthy vision of less driving through mobility modal shift from cars to active and public transport.
HEALTHY ALCOHOL POLICY AS AN INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGY
Authors: Connor J
Published: October 2012

Alcohol's contribution to injury at both individual and population level is indisputable, and it is commonly identified as the most important single risk factor. Reduction in hazardous patterns of drinking is required for prevention of injury as well other harms, and is achievable through a synergistic mix of evidence-based alcohol policies. There is already substantial scientific consensus about effective policies, which are largely environmental rather than individual-focused and include the effective control of commercial alcohol interests. Injury prevention has much to gain from modifying such a potent up-stream determinant.

Healthy alcohol policy is not just needed for the rich world but for low and middle-income countries where promotion of alcohol is aggressive and largely unregulated. Injury prevention experts have a important role to play in advocating effective control of the supply and promotion of alcohol, as it is a major primary prevention strategy for injury in all parts if the world.

Paul Quigley

There has been growing recognition in New Zealand of the amount of social and financial harms that excessive alcohol consumption causes. This is across the wide spectrum of alcohol abuse, from recreational binge drinking through to the chronic health consequences of alcohol addiction. There is currently a unique opportunity to make societal change around the way we consume alcohol as part of evolving legislative change. As part of that change it became evident that there is very poor data about the actual burden of alcohol harms when related to health presentations and in particular injury. I will be presenting how there is a vital role acute services can offer, Emergency Departments, Ambulance and Police in regards to providing an accurate picture of alcohol harm. I will discuss how through relatively simple means accurate data can be obtained be health professionals that can help guide law and enforcement agencies make change that can have real impact on these harms. I will include examples of collaborative work with the Wellington City Council and other agencies working towards a safer city.
FALLS AND INJURY PREVENTION IN OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Campbell AJ
Published: October 2012

Falls research in older people has followed a logical pathway. Firstly, observational, cross sectional and then longitudinal population studies were used to determine the incidence, and complications of falls and fall risk factors. Intervention trials based on the identification of potentially treatable, causative clinical and physiological risk factors followed. There have subsequently been pragmatic trials which have tested the introduction of effective interventions into the health services.

We now have two main streams of service development and fall prevention (i) a detailed, multidisciplinary assessment of fall and fracture risk with interventions for those at particular risk (ii) a wider, population based approach with less detailed assessment and a single therapist and intervention, resulting in broader coverage.

Despite the convincing trial evidence that fall frequency can be decreased, uptake by health funding bodies and by older people likely to benefit has been disappointing.

To increase service provision we need to recognise the barriers to implementation. These barriers can be (i) personal or patient related, (ii) professional because of inter-professional boundaries or because of fixed conceptual thinking, or (iii) political because of cost and time to prevention and cost silos.
CHALLENGES FOR INJURY PREVENTION IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Híjar M
Published: October 2012

During the session will be presented the changes observed in patterns of unintentional and intentional injuries during the last 10 years in countries of Low and Middle income and the challenges to confront in the next future on the next issues:

• Lack of reliable data, both for unintentional and violence related injuries

• Most of the preventive interventions replicate (but no local translated) those that has been successful on HIC,

• Evaluation is not included on the intervention plan.

• The target groups are different among countries and into the same country.

• Disabilities and mental effects are not considered into the injury prevention plans

• Pre and hospital care are not well organised and facilities are poorly equipped

• Changes on the mobility patterns that means different risk exposure

• The Safety approaches used for injury prevention are not comprehensive

• Injury prevention programmes without or little importance of psychological and sociological determinants of injury.

The session will discuss the importance that interventions on injury prevention in LMIC have to achieve long-term improvements in community safety in order to develop sustainable safety environments.
Preventing driveway run over injuries – using research to build a campaign
Authors: Randle S
Published: October 2012

Background

Driveway run overs—driving at low speed over children in private driveways—are a significant contributor to the burden of injury experienced by New Zealand children. New Zealand's rate of reported driveway injuries is high, it is estimated that on average there are nearly two injury cases a month, and approximately four deaths per annum.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The Safekids Campaign 2011/12 aimed to increase awareness of the prevention of driveway run over injuries and to promote key injury prevention behaviours to reduce risk and increase safety.

Methods

In July 2011, Safekids launched a multi-pronged, campaign to promote education and public awareness about the prevention of driveway run over injuries. Key activities included: A review of the literature and creation of an evidence base

The delivery of workforce capacity building workshops

The development of creatives and teaching tools to support a national public awareness campaign

Execution of a media plan

Results/Outcomes

The campaign gained traction in the media; 63 newspaper print editorials were recorded. A parent survey conducted at the time of education (n=220) and a post education telephone interview (n=100) showed participants had increased/reinforced knowledge of driveway run over injuries (88% and 98% respectively), and that they had made, or intended to make changes to keep children safer (81% and 78% respectively).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Communities have increased awareness of driveway run over injuries and key safety behaviours have been implemented including: heightened vigilance, increased supervision, reduced speed and the separation of play spaces from driveways.