bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal psychological distress and injury in the first year of life
Authors: Spinks A B , Cameron C M , Scuffham R A , Scott R , Ng S K , McClure R
Published: March 2011

Background

Many mothers of young children experience significant psychological distress which is associated with poor child health outcomes, including increased risk of injury. This research explores possible pathways through which maternal distress may influence injury occurrence in the first year of life.

Method

The Environments for Healthy Living Study enrols pregnant mothers in a peri-urban area of Australia. Enrolled mothers complete surveys at recruitment (approximately 36 weeks gestation) and at 12 months postbirth to elicit information related to social, behavioural and health outcomes.

Results

1112 pregnant mothers were enrolled in the first 2 years of the study, and 857 (77%) returned a follow-up survey after 1 year. Responses indicated that 148 (17%) infants suffered an injury requiring medical attention in the first year. Mothers categorised with moderate to high psychological distress according to the Kessler 6 rating scale were more likely to report an injury than non-distressed mothers (p=0.028). Infant injury risk was also elevated among younger mothers and those who reported their child was difficult to care for, lower baseline ratings of community satisfaction or changes in parenting burden since the birth. Maternal psychological distress levels were influenced by a large number of social and demographic variables including relationship status, paternal education level, neighbourhood satisfaction, perceived financial difficulties and parenting burden.

Conclusion

A number of personal, social and neighbourhood variables exist that may explain the demonstrated link between maternal psychological distress and injury in the first year of life.
Call back study investigating child dog bite injury that occurs in the domestic setting in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Ashby K , Cassell E
Published: March 2011

Injury surveillance datasets show that over the 3-year period 2005–2007, there were two deaths and at least 511 hospital admissions and 1280 Emergency Departments (ED) presentations for dog bite injury in Victorian children aged 0–14 years. More than two-thirds (69%) of dog bite injuries occurred in the domestic environment. Surveillance data is focused on the injured child, provides only brief descriptions of the bite event and minimal, if any, information on the dog involved. A 40–60 min telephone interview was conducted with the caregivers of 51 child dog bite victims aged 0-9 recruited through the ED of seven Victorian hospitals (participation rate 67 %) to investigate potential risk factors for domestic dog bite related to the bite victim, the dog and the home environment in which the bite occurred. A control group of at least 102 children is being recruited from the community. Analysis of case data identified several potential risk factors related to the victim that included: younger age, male gender; advertent and inadvertent provocation of the dog by the child and lack of close supervision of young children. Potential risk factors related to the dog include male sex, having a female owner, lack of obedience training and displaying early and current specific behaviours indicating anxiety, fear and excitability such as frequently being snappy or bitey, aggression over food and fear of thunder, men, strangers and delivery people. Presence of pain due to orthopaedic problems including arthritis also appeared to predispose dogs to biting behaviour.
Transforming communities to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation: a primary prevention approach
Authors: Cohen L , Lyles A , Brown M
Published: March 2011

While the health field has clearly made the case for the detrimental effects of child sexual abuse and exploitation, the responses to the problem have largely focused on after-the-fact actions like incarceration and individual protection such as Internet safety. Preventing child sexual abuse will require a shift from individuals to environments and from fear to wellness. With support from Ms Foundation, Prevention Institute convened local and national leaders to identify an approach, framework and strategies that could be used to support this shift, cultivate investment in promising primary prevention strategies and foster continued dialogue to maximise change in communities. This session will include lessons learned from the process and ways to counter specific norms prevalent in the US and internationally that contribute to child sexual abuse though a primary prevention approach. Via interviews and a national convening, Prevention Institute facilitated a process that analysed environmental factors and norms that perpetuate abuse, and outlined policies and practices for transforming local communities and the national climate. The convening was structured to engender a critical, stimulating, and frank discussion among a broad range of practitioners and experts. During the process, attention was paid to distinct challenges and opportunities for prevention work in immigrant and other historically marginalised groups which are often overlooked. Based on the distilled research and critical thinking of a diverse group of local and national experts, an approach, framework and strategies that support efforts to prevent child sexual abuse in the first place were identified and broadly disseminated.
Taking alcohol by deception: An analysis of ethanol concentration of paraga, an alcoholic herbal mixture and factors associated with its use among commercial drivers in an urban centre in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadiya K S
Published: March 2011

Background

Paraga is a herbal mixture in alcoholic base that is widely consumed in Nigeria. Because of its perceived medicinal values, it is freely available to commercial drivers in motor parks and on the streets. This study purposes to evaluate the alcoholic concentration of paraga and to describe its use among commercial drivers. Insights from the study will be useful in developing evidence based policies to control its use.

Method

Samples of paraga were obtained for analysis. The WHO students drug survey questionnaire was used to evaluate paraga use among 332 commercial drivers in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Results

The alcohol by volume (ABV) content of the paraga samples ranged between 1.20% and 20.84%. 10 (35.7%) were comparable to beer in strength, 9 (32.1%) were weaker than beers, 6 (21.4%) were equivalent to wines while the last three were stronger than wine but weaker than distilled spirits. The prevalence of lifetime use for paraga was 56.6%; with current (1 month) use and past (1 year) use of 53.6% and 48.2% respectively. 184 (54.5%) had driven shortly after consuming alcohol in the past while 122 (36.7%) had actually seen people behaved drunkenly after consuming paraga. Only 44.7% of those currently taking paraga are willing to stop taking it.

Conclusion

Paraga's ABV is comparable to the ABV of common alcoholic beverages. Like these beverages, access to paraga at motor parks should be restricted and drivers educated on its potentials for harmful effects.
Childhood injury prevention and safe community development in Vietnam
Authors: Ngoc L T T
Published: March 2011

Background

In Vietnam, injury is increasing and becomes the leading causes of mortality among hospitalised cases. Recently, Injury prevention and Safe community development is a concerned duty.

Objective

Injury prevention and Safe community development.

Design and subjects

Collecting data from 63 provinces nationwide.

Results

From 2005 to 2008, there were 25 childhood mortality cases per 100 000 children. Of which, there were 12 drowning cases, 6 traffic injury cases, 2 suicides and other causes such as poisoning, burning, falling, violence. In order to prevent childhood injury, Vietnam has implemented interventions especially safe community. Until 2008, 11 communes have designated as international safe communities and nearly 50 communes have designated as Vietnam safe communities.

Conclusion and recommendation

Drowning and Road traffic injury are leading causes of injury mortality of children aged from 0 to 19 year old. Injury prevention and safe community development plays an important role in childhood injury prevention.
The influence of limitation in activity of daily living and physical health on elderly suicidal ideation: results from survey of Kangbuk district, Korea
Authors: Lim D
Published: March 2011

The influence of limitation in activity of daily living (ADL) and physical health on elderly suicidal ideation: results from survey of Kangbuk district, Korea.

Background

Studying suicidal ideation (SI) has methodological advantages over examining completed suicide and may provide useful insight into suicidal behaviour. SI is not only strongly associated with mental disorder (particularly depression), but also disability. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between elderly SI and disability in greater details.

Methods

The data were collected from 13 July 2009 to 19 July 2009. through the survey to 513 elderly persons over 65 years old who have lived in Kangbuk district, Korea. Nineteen questions were asked to assess SI, a set of questions identified ADL limitation, and usual physical health. A set of questions identified ADL limitation was scored. The more limit a daily living, the higher ADL limitation score.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in the ADL limitation score and usual physical health according to SI. In suicidal group, ADL limitation score average, 28.06 was higher than in none suicidal group by 3.96 (t=–4.49, p<0.0001). ADL limitation score increased with the age, and female's ADL limitation score, 25.71 was higher than male by 4.79 (t=10.02, p=<0.0001).

Conclusions

Disability is an important independent correlate of SI, particularly in older people. Preventive programs need to be considered for disabled older people.
Inflatable Jumping castles: advocacy in action
Authors: Water M , Stokes M
Published: March 2011

The use of inflatable jumping castles has directly led to the death and injury of children. In 2007 a child was killed in Budapest, with five others seriously injured when the toy inflatable jumping castle was blown more than 27 m in the air. In response to the death of a young girl in South Australia in 2001, a new standard was introduced in Australia in 2005, governing the manufacture of commercial inflatable jumping castles. However, this did not regulate all jumping castles classified as toys, nor regulate who classified jumping castles as toys. This facilitated some manufacturers to evade the standard, and sell unsafe devices to consumers. Collective data suggests as many as 2200 children across Australia were injured in the period 1996–2006. These injuries led to strong concern that domestic toy jumping castles may be more dangerous and be associated with increased injury risk to children. To address this Kidsafe Victoria developed and conducted an intensive awareness campaign during the period of July to October 2007. This involved direct lobbying of all relevant regulatory agencies and national media promotion to raise community awareness. Substantial media attention triggered action from the various National and regional consumer regulatory bodies (ACCC, CAV and Standards Australia), who all commenced internal investigations and intervened with public warning notices and advised that a dedicated standard would be written. This presentation will discuss the issue and the methodology behind the campaign and future implications for advocacy in child safety.
Unintentional injuries among children in a low-income country: result form the largest population-based survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury S M , Rahman A , Mashreky S R , Giasuddin S , Svanström L , Horte L G , Rahman F
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Unintentional childhood injuries are recognised as a major public health problem globally, but little is known about their patterns in most low-income countries including Bangladesh. However, no specific intervention has yet been developed to address the issue in Bangladesh.

Objectives

Objectives of the paper are to explore the magnitude and distribution of unintentional injuries among Bangladeshi children (<18 years). Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted during 2003 (January – December) in 12 randomly selected districts and Dhaka Metropolitan City of Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171 366 households comprising of 351 651 children of under 18 years. Information includes the number of deaths and illness at the household in the preceding year. Verbal autopsy and verbal diagnosis form was used to determine the cause of mortality and morbidity respectively.

Results

There were 351 651 children in the study, of which 5577 had one or more injuries in the past 1 year. Drowning was the leading cause of injury mortality in children over 1 year of age and falls was the leading cause of injury morbidity. Incidence of unintentional injuries was significantly higher among boys (95% CI 1994.9 to 2157.8) than girls (95% CI 968.7 to 1085.8) while rural children were the most vulnerable group. Home and its premises was the most common place for the injury incidence.

Conclusion

The result of the study could be an insight to the policy makers and public health planners for developing realistic and effective strategies to address the issue.
Intentional self-harm and suicide epidemiological profile in North India
Authors: Aggarwal A D , Garg M , Gorea R K , Singh H , Singh A
Published: March 2011

Self-directed violence is deliberate self-injury, self-abuse or suicidal behaviour including attempted or completed suicides. Fabricated, fictitious, forged or invented wounds may be self-inflicted or self-suffered. Such injury is a major problem of forensic experts. Minimal of literature is available pertaining to the study of the fabricated injuries and specifically, no authentic criterion is laid down to label, which injury should be declared as fabricated. Self-directed violence has a large number of underlying causes. Apart from demographic factors like age and sex; psychiatric, biological, social and environmental factors are important apart from the factors related to individuals life history. The overall suicide rate was 28.9 per 100 000 population; the highest burden was among men (89%). The age group 21–30 years was most prone to suicide, accounting for 46% suicidal deaths. Most people died through self-poisoning (64%), hanging (25%) or self-immolation (10%). A significant group of injuries hitherto unaccounted, were fabricated injuries where the intentional was some ultimate gain or harm to others. The cultural epidemiology of deliberate self-harm, it is argued, is critical to planning for suicide and injury prevention and promotion of safety. The present study was designed to investigate the different methods of self-destruction, age and gender susceptibility to suicide, the groups particularly affected and the underlying motivating factors for such an extreme step among north Indian people. Various suggestions relating to decreasing the tensions of modern life, proper use and storage of agrochemicals and financial improvement of farmers have been put forward.
The Performances of the Glasgow coma scale, the Revised Trauma Score, the Triage Revised Trauma Scores and the Kampala Trauma Score in predicting mortality in the accident and emergency ward of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadiya K S , Popoola S O , Oginni L M
Published: March 2011

Background

Countries with no formal prehospital care system have a high inter-hospital referral rate with patients being referred late to tertiary hospitals. Objective is to determine which of the four trauma scores is most useful in predicting mortality and to determine the optimal cut-off point for predicting mortality for each score.

Methodology

In a prospective study, all patients with severe trauma (ISS>16) presenting in the Accident and Emergency were included in the study. The scores were calculated using standard methodologies. Their ability to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors in the casualty was compared using the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

There were 12 (6.5%) deaths among the 186 patients included in the study. The area under the curve (AUC) of each of the scores were: Kampala Trauma Score (KTS)=0.914, Revised Trauma Score (RTS)=0.883, the Triage Revised Trauma Scores (tRTS)=0.881 and Glasgow coma scale (CGS)=0.880. Pairwise comparison of the scores did not show any significant difference in the performances of the scores. The various optimal cut-off point for discriminating between survivors and non-survivors for the scores were: KTS=12, RTS=5.7, tRTS=9 and GCS=9.

Conclusion

While the KTS and the RTS performed better than the CGS in predicting mortality in the casualty, this performance was not statistically significant. We therefore suggest that, because of its widespread usage and ease of use, the CGS should be used by hospitals in deciding which patient to refer to tertiary hospitals. Patients with CGS scores of ≤9 should be transferred to tertiary centres; and those already in tertiary centres should be admitted to the ICU for special care
Development and field-testing of training module on the administration of safe-settings assessment tools
Authors: Guevarra J P , Basilio J A , Albornoz R , Go J J
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Three assessment tools for the home, school and community were developed by the Philippines National Technical Working Group on Child Injury Prevention. Before these tools can be utilised by the parents, teachers and community leaders, respectively, there is a need to develop the training module and field test it so that identified end-users can use these tools effectively.

Objectives

To develop the training module on the administration of safe-settings assessment tools; and to field test the training module.

Methodology

Training module development, consultations with the Technical Working Group and field testing of the training module in Central Luzon, Philippines were done.

Results

From November 2008 to February 2009, development of the training module on the administration of safe-settings assessment tools was done. After consultations with various stakeholders, the training module was revised and field-tested in March, 2009 in Tarlac City, Philippines.

Field-testing revealed that there were some concepts that could not easily be understood by the intended users. Participants did not easily capture the essence of too many statistical data so the manner of presentation of statistical data was revised. Graphics were also improved to depict the local scenario. Instructions on how to accomplish the safe-settings assessment tools were also improved using simple terms which can easily be understood by those who will use the instruments.

Conclusion

Field-testing proved to be a very important component in materials development. Input from end-users must be obtained to ensure utility of training materials.
The performance of the motorcycle rider behaviour questionnaire among commercial motorcycle riders in Nigeria
Authors: Sunday O Kehinde
Published: March 2011

Background

Recently, motorcycle use as a mode of transportation had increased tremendously. The motorcycle rider behaviour questionnaire (MRBQ) has been used among British motorcycle riders. We sought to determine its performance among Nigerian motorcycle riders (CM).

Method

We adapted and administered the MRBQ to 500 CMs in Osogbo, Nigeria using two trained interviewers. Findings The mean age was 27 years (Range=17–70) and the mean riding experience was 4.72 years (range=1–19 years). 110 (22%) had been involved in a crash before while 124 (24.8) had been involved in 1-6 traffic violations in the past. Using Principal Component Analysis, the five-factor structure of the original MRBQ condensed to four, which accounted for 32.5% of the variance. Factor 1 (control/safety) consisted of 4 safety and 5 control variables which accounted for 10.5% of the variance. Factor 2 (stunt) accounted for 8.6% and it comprised five stunt variables. Factor 3 (error) accounted for 8.0% of the variables and consisted of four error variables while factor 4 (seed/impatience) accounted for 5.4% and consisted of speed variables. Six variables did not load under any factor. General linear model showed that speed/impatience, experience, alcohol use and motorcycle usage were the only significant predictors of crash liability Conclusion The performance of MRBQ in the Nigerian CMs population is different from its performance among British riders. The paper will discuss possible ways in which findings from this study can help in formulating policies directed at reducing motorcycle crashes
Incidence of children left unattended in hot cars in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Killian J J , Water M , Stokes M , Hallett L
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Kidsafe Victoria, as part of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation, is the leading non-government, charitable, organisation dedicated to preventing unintentional child injuries and deaths and resulting disabilities. This is achieved through awareness campaigns, education programs, research, advocacy and environmental, legislative and behaviour change.

Background

In summer, temperatures inside a parked car can double outside temperatures in a matter of minutes, with a car interior being as much as 30–40°C hotter than outside. Yet parents often make the decision to leave their child in the car to run a quick errand. This can lead to dehydration or even death, as young children are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults. In most states in Australia, it is against the law to leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

Objective

To identify the number of children being left unattended in hot cars in Victoria, Australia using existing research and collating new data.

Results

Statistics from a singular motoring organisation in Victoria showed that between 2008 and 2009, 1543 children needed rescuing from a locked car. Results from a study collating more comprehensive data will be discussed.

Future Implications

This study forms part of an ongoing educational campaign raising awareness of the dangers of leaving children in cars, especially on a hot day. Integration of the findings from the components of this study will provide strong evidence to inform future campaigns regarding legislative and policy changes to help protect children.
2009 Safe states alliance state of the states survey an assessment of capacity in US state health departments
Authors: Wynn M , Williams A
Published: March 2011

The Safe States Alliance (formerly the State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors Association (STIPDA)) is currently implementing the 2009 State of the States Survey (SOTS), the third implementation assessing capacity among state injury and violence prevention programs in the US. The 2009 SOTS Survey will be administered in early 2010 to collect data on programs in 2009. Based on previous years participation, STIPDA anticipates 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) participating in the 2009 Survey. As this is the third implementation of the survey, there will be an increased focus on trends in the analysis. A report summarising the findings of the 2009 survey will build on the 2005 and 2007 surveys and begin to illustrate trends and changes in state injury and violence prevention programs over time. The report will be produced in the fall 2010. The survey and report are both organised around the five core components identified by STIPDA as essential elements of a comprehensive state health department Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) program. They are: build a solid infrastructure for IVP; collect and analyse injury and violence data; design, implement and evaluate programs; provide technical support and training; and affect public policy. The findings and recommendations in this report will provide key information that will be used to educate federal, state and local prevention partners of the need for comprehensive IVP programs grounded in a public health approach and located within state health departments.
Study of gaps between precepts and practices in prevention of injuries and prehospital care among injury cases admitted to MSRMC Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Authors: Uthkarsh P S
Published: March 2011

Objectives

(1) To identify the gaps between the precepts and practices of preventive measures and prehospital care among the injury cases admitted to M S Ramaiah (MSR) Hospital. Bangalore, India. (2) To find out expenditure incurred during hospital stay.

Study Setting

MSR Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Study Population

All injury cases admitted to MSR Hospital during the study period.

Study Design

Cross Sectional.

Study Period

6 months to October 2008 to April 2009.

Methodology

Data with respect to the socio demographic characters, preventive measures followed, prehospital care provided and the expenditure from the time of admission till discharge collected using pretested questionnaire by interviewing injury cases admitted to MSR Hospital during the study period.

Results

Mean age of injured-35.3 years (SD=15.38). Among injuries 69.1% were road traffic accidents (RTA), 28.7% were falls and 2.2% were burns. Influence of alcohol was found in 14.4% of injuries. Among RTA Cases 48.5% had not followed sign board and 56.5% had not obeyed the one way rules, Nearly 73.6% of RTA cases were two wheeler users; 63.5% did not use helmet, 38% had two pillion riders. Whereas 57% of four wheeler users had not used seat belt. Among falls 58% occurred at home, 49% due to slippery surface. Only 26.4% had received first aid; 39% were aware of emergency number. Auto (66.1%) was the common mode of transportation to hospital from the site of injury. Nearly 33.9% had visited more than one hospital before reaching MSR Hospital. Median expenditure (in rupees) of hospital stay was 40 000.
Exposure to the educational system as a protective factor for injuries
Authors: Ungaro J F , Barassi J B , Galindez M I , De Hoyos G H
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The exposure to the educational system of youth from 16 to 22 years, residents in Neuquen, Argentina, is analysed as a protective factor for the occurrence of injuries.

Method

This is a descriptive study based on interviews carried out to 480 young participants, 240 of whom were in school and 240 of whom were not. Participants were questioned regarding their sociodescriptive characteristics, health habits use of safety devices, alcohol consumption-, opinions, peer and family relationships and previous ambulatory care or hospital admission/s for an injury. Factorial analysis of multiple correspondences and hierarchy classification were performed for each dimension, thus obtaining five typological variables. The relationship among the variables obtained was analysed by means of the value test obtained by a hypergeometric distribution and χ2test.

Results

Youth in the school system showed in a larger proportion habits, opinions and relationships that could be considered protective factors: helmet and seat belt use, a responsible attitude towards alcohol use, a positive opinion of self-care and a larger capacity for interpersonal communication. The relationship of these characteristics to a previous ambulatory care or hospital admission/s for an injury was, in all cases, statistically significant (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Participation of young people in the educational system could favour activities and identification with peers that propitiate their emotional support and the development of healthy life projects. On the other side, those not in the school system seems to focus in risky recreational activities like weekend binge drinking.
Pre-hospital management in terrorist MCI's in Punjab, Pakistan-Year 2009
Authors: Waseem H , Razzak J A , Naseer R , Mehmood A
Published: March 2011

Background

Pakistan has seen a huge surge in terrorist attacks in the last two years which has led to extensive loss of life and property. Major disaster events have resulted due to terrorism and at such times rescue missions and evacuation becomes a challenge especially in a developing country.

Objective

The purpose was to formally evaluate and document the role that the government based EMS known as Rescue 1122 is playing in terrorist attacks.

Methods

Data was collected retrospectively from the EMS sources. Twenty incidents had occurred in Punjab in the year 2009 and all of these were included. The response time, number of vehicles and personnel used, the number of total casualties evacuated and where they were evacuated were studied. Interagency liaison was also studied.

Limitations

Missing data was found in one city regarding resources and patients transported. It is presented as such.

Results

It was noted that 19 out of 20 were in urban areas and consequently had short response time. Almost 50% were large MCI's. The average time of first responders was 5 min and the time of complete evacuation was 4 h. Other agencies involved most often were Military, Police and then Fire services. A volunteer ambulance service was also identified. The casualties were evacuated to predesignated hospitals but evacuation seems to be dependant more on geographical proximity then the capacity of hospitals. This will be further discussed in recommendations.
Community-based study of risk and protective factors of elder abuse and neglect in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulraheem I S
Published: March 2011

Background

There is a dearth of literature on elderly abuse and neglect in Nigeria. Improving our understanding of the risk and protective factors for elder abuse and neglect will help predict situations where abuse or neglect is likely to occur. It will also increase our understanding of factors that build resilience or ameliorate situations that may otherwise result in abuse or neglect.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the factors that may increase the risk of abuse or neglect and protective factors that may prevent abuse or neglect from occurring or recurring.

Methodology

Qualitative sampling methods were used to collect data about elder abuse and neglect from members of various ethnic groups in selected Nigerian communities, some of whom had experienced elder abuse. Methods of data collection were face-to-face, focus group and telephone interviews. Interview guides were developed after consultation and reviewing of the literature.

Result

Multiple factors like poverty, increase cost of living, moral decadence, degeneration of cultural norms and values, intergenerational transfer of wealth, urbanisation and modernisation are contributory factors. Free social services are protective.

Conclusion

It is being recommended that there is need for Nigerian government to initiate the establishment of legal policies and structures that ensure the protection of the rights of all citizens while being especially sensitive to the rights of the older persons and other vulnerable sections of the community.
Status of road traffic injuries in Asia
Authors: Mohan D
Published: March 2011

The WHO released a Global Status Report On Road Safety: Time For Action in July 2009. This report is the first broad assessment of the status of road safety in 178 countries. Here we analyse the data reported by Asian countries. The report demonstrates that some high income countries have unreliable statistics and some low-income countries are able set up good data collection systems. Therefore, all countries should be able to set up reasonable data reporting systems given the right policies. Vulnerable road user fatalities constitute the majority of all road traffic injury fatalities in all large Asian countries including the high income countries. Overall and road user specific death rates do not have a high correlation with income levels. The reasons for this are not known. It appears that factors other than income levels, car and road design and policing influence death rates per-capita for each country. Much more work will have to be done in this area before the variability in crash rates can be explained satisfactorily for Asian countries. In the absence of more reliable data and identification of risk factors for each country, it is not possible to give very specific country based countermeasures for road safety. It would be adequate at present to focus on measures that have international validity and are known not to have negative side-effects. There are wide variations in crash patterns within countries of similar income. The reasons for these variations need to be investigated on an urgent basis.
Trends in hospitalised injuries due to falls by older people, Australia 1999–2007
Authors: Bradley C , Harrison J E
Published: March 2011

Rates of serious injury due to falls in some Australian jurisdictions appear to have increased over time despite a reduction in the rate of hospitalised hip fracture (eg, Dowling & Finch 2009). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfares National Injury Surveillance Unit has undertaken analysis of national rates of hospitalised fall injuries for the period 1999–2007 to try to understand this conundrum. Age-standardised rates of hospitalised fall injury cases for Australians aged 65 years and older have increased significantly since 1999. The greatest increases are noted for males, the oldest old (85+ years) and residents of aged care facilities. In contrast, rates of hip fracture due to falls have significantly decreased. Here, the greatest reductions are noted for females, the younger old (6574 years) and people living independently at home. Our findings confirm differential trends in age-adjusted rates of hospitalised injuries due to falls by older Australians at the national level. The utility of further investigations using only de-identified hospital data is limited however. Future research should utilise Australia's increasing capacity for person-based data linkage. State-based linkage systems are well-placed to generate novel information about falls by older people. For example, studies using person-linked data may explain our observation of increased rates of injurious falls for older males; certain co-morbidities or underutilisation of interventions may be contributing to increased falls risk for men. Similarly, data-linkage studies may reveal why rates of hip fracture have reduced for community-dwelling older people but not for residents of aged care facilities.
Safe states alliance- injury surveillance workgroup consensus report – poisoning
Authors: Wynn M , Stallones L , Warner M
Published: March 2011

The goal of the Safe States Alliance's (formerly the State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors Associations – STIPDA) Poison Injury Surveillance Workgroup (ISW) is to promote better surveillance around poisoning in our states and nation with an emphasis on drug poisonings. In order to do that the ISW is developing a framework for states and national-level organisations to use that includes: a conceptual definition of all types of poisoning that differentiates by type of exposure, and where possible, by intent, chronic and acute; poisoning surveillance and risk factor data sources at the national and state level; and an operationalised definition for drug poisoning using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)9-CM and ICD-10 for as many poison data sources as possible. The Workgroup developed a proposed conceptual definition of a poisoning: an exposure to a synthetic chemical or a naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substance resulting in at least one related, adverse clinical effect. The Safe States Alliance's Poison ISW is composed of approximately 15 members from private, state, federal and national organisations. Each member brings a unique perspective to poison surveillance and years of experience. The Poison ISW will continue to meet throughout 2010 to improve overall poisoning surveillance and develop a consensus report.
SafeStart: sustainable partnerships for targeted reduction of child injuries
Authors: Natora A , Barclay L , Frew R , Holt L , Cassel E , Cooper M , Gibbons F , Bell C
Published: March 2011

Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death for children and is a major reason for hospital and emergency department admissions. In Victoria, Australia, an average of 34 children die per year and over 150 children are treated in hospital per day as a result of unintentional injury. The State Government of Victoria dedicated $1.9 million over 4 years to the SafeStart initiative to prevent serious injuries to children living in selected local communities. SafeStart was part of the Victorian Governments $788 million ‘A Fairer Victoria’ package of initiatives to address social disadvantage. SafeStart is a model for the integrated management of injury prevention activity at a local level and tests the approach of involving communities in the implementation of proven interventions. SafeStart was locally focused and managed and encouraged partnerships with health, education, retail, sport and community sectors to target areas where children under 8 years lived, played or gathered. SafeStart was implemented by two selected local governments during 2006–2010, based on a previous trial in three local communities during 2002–2005. A comprehensive independent evaluation of SafeStart is ongoing and will be complete by December 2010. This presentation will address the key themes of the conference and report on how each of the local communities implemented the SafeStart initiative, will highlight preliminary impacts, equity and sustainability issues, and will reflect on the cost-effectiveness of State Government investment into local community commitment to prevent child injury and create safe home and play environments.
Evaluation of a youth unsafe driving video: a comparison of two communities
Authors: Stewart T Charyk , Harrington J , Tanner D A , Polgar D , Girotti M J
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of an injury prevention video (iDrive2) designed to raise awareness of youth about the risks and consequences of aggressive, unsafe driving in two Canadian communities, with different injury experiences.

Methods

The video with accompanying presentation was delivered to two high schools in different communities. A survey was designed and distributed to students to evaluate program effectiveness. Program components were scored on Likert-scales, with open-ended questions included. Ç2and t tests were used to compare groups.

Results

There was a total of 651 completed surveys (462 (71%) Brantford; 189 (29%) London)). While <1/3 of each school responded that this was new information, the majority of students (91% Brantford; 83% London; p<0.001) found the program effective in raising awareness of unsafe driving, rating it 5 (London) and 6 (Brantford) out of 7 (p<0.001). The Brantford students were more likely to find the video effective to educate on driving distraction, speeding, drugs and buckling up (p<0.001). More Brantford students reported to better understand risks and learnt strategies (87% vs 69%; 87% vs 70%; p<0.001) and nearly all (97% vs 88%) would recommend the video.

Conclusion

While the majority of students found this program effective in raising awareness of unsafe driving (distractions, drugs, speeding, no seatbelt use), the results from Brantford group were more favourable. This high school had a fatal crash involving students in the months preceding the program. The context of this experience created a learning opportunity when students are more receptive, thereby maximising program effectiveness.
Family functionality in relation to children's injuries in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lavickova M , Drbov M , Velemnsk M , Vitoov A
Published: March 2011

Injury prevention is one of the most important goals of the Czech Republic related to the European Union membership. The basic postulate for appropriate prevention is identifying of the injury risks. From foreign researches is obvious that socioeconomic factors are influating the rate of injuries. As an answer to this theory a research concerning on the relation between family functionality and children injuries were worked out. The project is financially supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic no. NS 9609-4/2008. The study is prospective and our poster will represent the results from the first year of project running. In the years 2009 and 2010 children injury data (the focus is on children between the age 0 and 18 years) and family functionality from medical institutions in the South of Bohemia where collected through the specific questionnaire. The identification is made not only in the group of children between the ages 0 and 18, but also particular children risk groups are being analysed.
Bridging the gap between intentional and unintentional injury prevention
Authors: Cohen L , Cantor J
Published: March 2011

The persistent overall burden of injury can not be dramatically reduced if the subfields of intentional and unintentional injury remain isolated and uncoordinated. At the same time, the differences between the subfields should not be diminished and it is important that strategies account for important nuances between the subfields. For example, intentional injury prevention practitioners have found that addressing violence requires greater attention to family and community dynamics, as well as economic, racial and ethnic inequities. Therefore, simply applying unintentional injury prevention methods without modification would be less effective. This session will share important differences between the subfields of intentional and unintentional injury prevention as well as areas of overlap, analyses that were first published in the article, Bridging the Gap (Journal of Safety Research, 2003). Areas of overlap include training and capacity building needs, the crucial role of norms change, the framing of injury issues, and common risk and resiliency factors. Difference in paradigm and strategies will also be shared. To translate these analyses into effective practice and a coordinated approach to injury prevention, the Prevention Institute tool, Collaboration Multiplier, a tool to enable different disciplines to understand each others perspectives and identify strengths and gaps in partnership, was applied. This analysis will be shared as a resource for participants to apply to support coordination of their own injury prevention efforts and maximise effectiveness of shared strategies. The session will also highlight community examples that demonstrate benefits from an integrated injury prevention approach.
Managing injury risks for children with disabilities and chronic health conditions: parent perspectives
Authors: Olsen L , Brussoni M , Miller A , Odonnell M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Research indicates a higher risk of injury for children with certain types of disabilities and chronic health conditions. Parents play a large role in mitigating childhood injury risks, yet there has been little research examining how injury risks related to children's disabilities or chronic conditions are perceived and managed by parents.

Purpose

To investigate the injury prevention attitudes and practices of parents who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition.

Method

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children 1–5 years in British Columbia, Canada. Questions addressed parents' safety concerns, use of prevention strategies, impact of children's health challenges on safety efforts, and factors supporting or undermining parents' efforts. Grounded theory methods guided data analysis.

Results

Parents of children with a range of disabilities and chronic conditions were interviewed. Some reported concerns and safety strategies specific to certain conditions. For example, concerns related to running away were expressed by parents of children with autism. Other concerns and strategies were uniform across health issues, for example, making arrangements for safe childcare appropriate to children's special needs. Both active supervision and environmental modifications were highlighted as important strategies for injury prevention.

Conclusion

These results provide new information regarding injury prevention concerns, experiences and needs of families who have children with disabilities and chronic conditions. Parents' perspectives are invaluable for enhancing practitioner awareness about injury prevention issues and are important to consider in the design of child injury prevention programs.
Preventing suicide in rural and remote Western Australia
Authors: Costello D , Johns M , Jackson B , Nannup S , O'Brien S
Published: March 2011

Injury Control Council of Western Australiahas implemented multi-level suicide prevention programs across ruralWestern Australia(WA) since 2005. Our work focuses on building resilience at a community and individual level and is funded by the Australian Government via the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS). Working groups in each community developed Action Plans based on the following objectives. (1) Advocate to improve access to services (2) develop local strategies to assist people to connect with their community. (3) Develop resilience building strategies and provide suicide prevention training. (4) Increase community awareness of suicide and knowledge of referral and support services. This approach has not only focused community action on these objectives, but has also initiated many innovative and collaborative activities between various sectors within the region. Some examples are Working with SW Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), the WA Country Health Service-South West and other stakeholders to ensure culturally secure services for Indigenous clients New cross-sector networking groups established. Training delivered in partnership with Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention (MCSP), Lifeline WA, health and education sectors, SWAMS and Gay and Lesbian Community Services Training and resilience building sessions based on Ros Snyders visual tool The Map of Loss Received sponsorship for community events to promote messages for the WA Mental Health promotion campaign – Act, Belong Commit Working with high risk groups such as prisons This work has evolved significantly since the initial research phase in 2005 and our success was nationally recognised in September 2009 by receiving an Award from Suicide Prevention Australia.
Conflicting trends in fall injury rates: implications for injury prevention
Authors: Watson W L , Mitchell R
Published: March 2011

Background

Despite considerable advances in falls prevention research and practice, the rate of falls-related hospitalisations continues to increase. Yet, there is some evidence that hip fracture rates, a major cause of fall-related morbidity, are declining. An examination of trends in types of injuries that contribute to the overall fall injury rate is required to understand these conflicting trends.

Aim

To examine the trends in fall-related hospital admissions by injury type in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Method

A retrospective review of fall-related injury hospitalisations in NSW among individuals aged 65+ years, by injury type, was conducted from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2009. Incident cases were identified using the referral source field and direct age standardised admission rates were calculated. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the statistical significance of changes in the trend over time of hospitalised fall-related injuries by injury type.

Results

The overall fall-related hospitalisation rate increased by 1.7% each year (p<0.0001; 95%CI 1.3 to 2.1). However, the fracture rate declined by −0.4% (p<0.03; 95%CI −0.8 to 0) and the rate of non-fractures increased by 6.1% (p<0.0001; 95%CI 5.5 to 6.7) each year. In particular, severe head injuries, rib(s) and pelvic fracture rates are increasing while hip and forearm fracture rates are declining.

Conclusion

It appears that, while falls prevention efforts in NSW are not yet affecting hospitalised falls injury rates, efforts in relation to bone health may be having an effect in preventing fractures. It is likely that the increase in severe head injuries is due to improvements in diagnosis.