bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of limitation in activity of daily living and physical health on elderly suicidal ideation: results from survey of Kangbuk district, Korea
Authors: Cho J , Hong J , Lim D
Published: March 2011

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 Jul to 19 Jul 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 activity of daily living (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 core 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 suicidal ideation, particularly in older people. Preventive programs need to be considered for disabled older people.
IGR of safety policy in Korea
Authors: Kang C
Published: March 2011

Background

Partnership for safety across sectors is suggested as one of the principles of safe community. IGR (intergovernmental relationships) is very important to improve safety equality among regions and people within a country. However, safety policy in the centralised country is different from that of decentralised country due to the context. Korea is in transit to the decentralised system so that recent experience in IGR for safety policy has implication. || Safety policy in Korea (1) Development of safety policy in Korea Policy target was not injury prevention but disaster control. However, Lee administration established ministry of public administration and security so that safety policy was expanded. In 2009, Korean type of safe community project was launched by national government. By contrast, WHO safe community project has been accomplished by local governments by themselves. (2) IGR of Safety Policy Based on the theoretical perspective, three forms of IGR can be described such as disentangled, federal-local unilateral or collaborative. Despite of fiscal decentralisation since 2007, national government is able to coerce local into delivering a special type of service, which is referred to federal-unilateralism. Korean type of safe community project has been implemented through Special Local Tax Share allocation to nine local government. |||. Context Matters both bureaucratic driven and guideline of national government are prevalence in the safety policy process in Korea. IGR of safety policy in Korea reflects the context, short-term local autonomy and experience of development by government, which can be positive to improve the safety equality.
Road safety control during long holidays in Ubonratchathani province, Thailand
Authors: Saipan S , Boonpaisarn B , Moongmai V , Maliwan N , Saipan P , Suwaratchai P
Published: March 2011

Background

Road Traffic Accident (RTA) causes serious injuries and fatalities among passengers during long holidays such as New Year and Songkran festival. The incidence occurred 2–3 times compare to normal period. The risks of RTA are alcohol drinking driver, high speed drivers and not using safety equipments. Ubon Ratchathani province covers 1.8 million populations. Our province had set up Ubon Road safety committee to reduce RTA during this periods. The activities was prevention, control accident, medical care with collaborations from several sectors.

Method

Ubon Road Safety Committee and Centre during each periods for 7 days. The activities are as follows: (1) Preparing period: - Public relations: safety laws, alcohol control policy. (2). Operating period: - Checking point working 24 h to inspect the against law drivers. - Promote safety vehicle. -VIDEO Conference all province and Day by day evaluation. (3) Evaluating period: 2007–2009.

Results

RTA occurred 98, 69, 106 cases with severe injury 7, 12, 9 cases during 2 festival in the periods compared to accident in normal day around the year 994, 872, 812 cases in the year 2007–2009. The most common causes are from motorcycle, occurred in alcoholic drunken drivers 41.03%, higher speed drivers 28.21%.

Conclusions

To set up Road Safety Committee and Centre during long holidays and activities such as public relations, Law enforcement, alcohol control policy setup checking points, day by day evaluation and improved process, and need collaboration from several sectors to control and reduced severity of RTA.
Compensation of victims of interpersonal violence in Hessen/Germany
Authors: Blttner B , Grundel A
Published: March 2011

A research project on the German Victim Compensation Act (OEG). In cooperation with the Hesse Maintenance Council and Fulda County (October 2009 to September 2010). Since March 2007, there is an European agreement on the compensation of victims of interpersonal violence. Despite this agreement the national Victim Compensation Acts differ in extend of and criteria for compensation. The OEG was put in place to support victims that suffer from health impairment caused by interpersonal violence. Up to this day the minority of victims in Germany apply for compensation (169 of 572 in Fulda county 2008). Processing these applications cost more than 266.000 Euro. On average 2/3 of the applications are rejected. The long-term expenses for healthcare of the injured individual are unknown in Germany to this day. Aim of the project is to describe the various cases of interpersonal violence represented within the applications and compare them to the local crime statistics. The main reasons for rejection and the role of medical documentation regarding an efficient application process will be examined. Another aim is to look for possibilities to finance violence prevention through the OEG in order to decrease long-term expenses and find feasible solutions to streamline financial support on the base of the OEG for victims of domestic violence.

Methods

Elicitation of all completed application files from Fulda County in 2008, focus group discussions and expert interviews on the issue, in-depth case analysis.
Exploring the association of falls with the sense of coherence and functional capacity indices among community dwelling older people of rural Greece
Authors: Birmpili E , Panagopoulou P , Koula A , Kapota A , Petridou E , Fachantidou A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Older people in Greece enjoy the lowest incidence and mortality due to falls possibly due to genetic/environmental factors; it has not been adequately explored, however, whether a stronger sense of coherence (SOC) may be associated with better health outcomes.

Objective

To examine the association of SOC with fall incidence among older people and present the process of the study design and implementation.

Materials and Methods

The initiative was undertaken by a doctoral student of Aristotle University in consultation with CEREPRI. Alternative methodological designs ensuring study quality and high participation as contrasted to the limited financial and scientific resources available were evaluated. An Internet search was undertaken to compile a list of instruments for a local population-tailored study. Selected tools were pilot-tested, if already validated and the minimum sample size was calculated.

Results

300 individuals aged ≤65 years, enrolled in the community-based state organisations for older people and residing in 10 villages are planned to consent for a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview addressing demographics, health status and recent history of falls as well as the SOC-29 scale, the Berg Balance Scale/Test and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale. Barriers and facilitating factors of conducting research in adverse conditions of remote rural communities were also identified.

Conclusions

Given the population ageing, it is imperative to focus research on factors potentially affecting functionality and well-being among older people; sharing experience in research designs and implementation when exploring the interrelation of SOC and falls may proven essential in preventing falls and improve health outcomes.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of children & young adults on road traffic injuries in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Mahfoozpour S , Soori H , Ainy E , Iranfar M , Amiri Z , Hadadi M , Heidar F
Published: March 2011

Background

Road traffic injuries have dramatically increased in previous decade in Iran. According to the literature, rate of road traffic injuries among children & young adults is high. The first step for an accurate planning is situational analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in road traffic injuries.

Objective

Determining the KAP of road traffic injuries among children (9-14 years)& young adults (15–30 years) in Tehran-Iran.

Material and methods

A descriptive study was performed among 304 Tehrani children(9–14) and 327 young adults(15–30) years from primary schools to university students who were selected by a proportionate randomised population based sampling method, in 2008. Data was collected by a structured validated & reliable (r = 0.8) questionnaire, after a completed consent from the subjects.

Results

Mean SD of age in children and young adults were 11.7, 1.6 and 20.74.3, respectively. Overall 50.7% were boys. Among girls (9–14 years), practice scores were higher than boys (p < 0.001), and among boys (15–30 years) attitude and practice scores were higher than girls (p < 0.02). Among high school students, attitude score was higher than primary schools' students (p < 0.043). Among scholarships, attitude and practice scores were higher than the others (p < 0.001). Knowledge & practice scores were higher in primary school pupil liaisons than middle school pupil liaisons (p < 0.003).

Conclusion

These findings revealed the essential need for a comprehensive educational plan on traffic injuries, to enhance knowledge, change attitudes & improvement of practice.
Hospitalised burn injuries in 870 children in Tehran
Authors: Karimi H , Motabar A , Motevalian S A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Burn injuries were the 13th cause of burden of disease in all age groups and the 7th cause in 5–14 years children in Iran in 2003. The objective of this study was to describe demographic and injury characteristics of burn injuries in a referral burn centre.

Methods

The study was carried out on 870 children less than 15 years who referred to Shahid Motahari burn hospital in Tehran from March 2007 to March 2009.

Results

Mean age of the subjects was 4.2 years and 63.3% were male. Highest proportion of subjects (32.2%) occurred in summer followed by winter and fall. The most frequent places were kitchen (57.7%), living room (17.4%) and yard (10.2%). Scalds (68.2%) constituted most of the cases, followed by flame-related burns (24.6%), electrical burns (4.8%), contact burns and chemical burns. Inhalation injury was observed in 6.9% of the subjects. Mean body surface area (BSA) was 21.6% (SD: 16.5%). About 80% of patients had third-degree burns. The incidence of death was 10.6% in all cases. Considering BSA, the risk of death was 0.0% (BSA<10%), 0.4% (BSA:10–19%), 3.1% (BSA:20–29%), 17.8% (BSA:30–39%), 38.8% (BSA: 40–49%) and 97.7% (BSA:50% or more).

Discussion

Promoting safety measures in home kitchens and cooking facilities is a priority for burn prevention. Intervention to improve burn care and treatment outcomes is urgently needed.
Child safety education coalition: a mixed methods evaluation of a national alliance
Authors: Mulvaney C , Watson M , Errington G , Coupland C , Kendrick D
Published: March 2011

Objective

To evaluate a national child injury prevention coalition.

Background

The Child Safety Education Coalition (CSEC) is a national alliance set up in 2009 in response to the UK Governments Staying Safe Action Plan which specified actions to be taken to improve the safety of children and young people in England. CSEC, whose members comprise a wide range of practitioners and policy makers in the field of unintentional injuries, will become a national authority on practical child safety education. It will inform and influence policy and practice by encouraging consensus on a range of issues and by collating and sharing information on effective practical safety education. It aims to increase the capacity of safety education provision.

Method

A team led by investigators at the University of Nottingham is evaluating CSEC. Evaluation methods are guided by principles outlined by the WHO, namely, participation, capacity building and multiple methods. The team is employing a complex, mixed methods design, including process evaluation, analysis of critical events, case studies and monitoring of child safety education provision. Active participation by evaluators enriches the perspectives, and findings and recommendations are more likely to be accepted as credible.

Results

Findings will exam both inward work, that is, processes that build, nurture and maintain the coalition and outward work in terms of achievements.

Conclusions

Conclusions will be derived in terms of the reach, integrity and acceptability of CSEC. Did CSEC reach the target population? Was CSEC implemented as planned? Is CSEC acceptable to the target population?
Keeping children safe at home: interview study of fire safety practices of parents of preschool children
Authors: Goodenough T , Towner E , Kendrick D , Deave T , Stewart J
Published: March 2011

Aim

To explore knowledge and reported safety practices of parents of preschool children in relation to thermal injuries.

Background

In the UK, unintentional injury is an important cause of death and leading cause of Emergency Department attendance and hospital admissions in 1–4 year olds. The burden of injury is highest for children who live in poverty. Children's Centres provide community-based co-ordinated services, information and support for families with preschool children.

Methods

200 structured interviews will take place in Children's Centres with parents of preschool children (10 parents at 5 Children's Centres in 4 Study Centres: Bristol, Nottingham, Norwich, Newcastle). Interviews will cover: fire-safety practices for example, smoke alarm ownership and use, risk factors for injury (smokers in the household), knowledge of first-aid.

Results

Results will describe fire-safety practices and contribute to the design of a randomised controlled trial of an Injury Prevention Briefing for fire-related injuries to be implemented in Children's Centres, and will provide detailed information about fire safety and data to inform sample size calculations.

Conclusions

The Keeping Children Safe at Home programme aims to develop a better understanding of how to prevent unintentional injuries in preschool children. It aims to apply this knowledge, working with Children's Centres to implement effective approaches with families served by the Centres. The findings of the interview study will inform the development of Injury Prevention Briefings which will be implemented and evaluated in Children's Centres.
Intimate-partner-violence against women: victims help-seeking patterns
Authors: Brzank P
Published: March 2011

Due to prevalence and impairs, intimate-partner-violence (IPV) against women is considered as a problem of high public relevance. IPV causes serious health, social and economic consequences for victims themselves as well as for the whole society. By now a network of advocacy, counselling and shelters is established in Germany informing and supporting victims of IPV. Although the support possibilities are well known, a mere part of women seek help.

Research Questions

To explore the circumstances which lead women to search actively for support, defined as addressing oneself to the health sector, the police or the counselling/advocacy, the study will be guided by the question: Which factors have an increasing or decreasing influence on victims behaviour: high personal or social resources, demographic factors, by violence affected children, lack of knowledge about support, a history of abuse (multiple violation) and substance abuse?

Material and Methods

Data of the representative survey Health, Well-Being and Personal Safety of Women in Germany (2004), which includes interviews of more than 10.000 randomly sampled women, aged 16 to 85, will be analysed. Secondary data analysis focuses on victims help-seeking-behaviour. The constructs demographics, personal sources, social resources, health status and violence history will be examined in a regression and variance model to determine their influence on the outcome variable active help-seeking. Using a SEM, possible pathways between the constructs and their influence on the behaviour of victims will be described. Study design and first findings will be presented.
An audit of patient attendance, morbidity and mortality seen in 2008 at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mtonga R E
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Zambia is a premiere learning, reference and research Medical Centre in Zambia. It offers General and Specialised services at tertiary level and runs 24 h and 7 days a week. The UTH has a total of 1060 beds and 337 cots.ActivitiesLow costHigh costTotalOut-Patient Attend.48125048125Specialist Clinic47710047710Bed Strength42518443Admissions1985716620023Discharges1293721013147Deaths94714961961In-Patient Days11674396119704Average Stay6186Daily Av/patients3208328Bed Occupacy Rate754581Mortality/1000488448Death within 48 hrs2760276

Note: High-cost patients originate from in-patients and as such high-cost patients are catered for in low-cost admissions.

Methodology

This was a retrospective study that looked at records of activities in all the surgical wards in 2008 and compiled the data by outpatient attendance, morbidity and mortality.

Results

The Tabulations below summarise the results.Minor casesIntermediate casesMajor casesTotalOperating theatre9357376343613169

Discussions

48 125 outpatient attendances, with 20 023 admissions, 13.147 discharges and 961 deaths.

Conclusion

The UTH surgical department was busy in 2008 and offered a full service with a death rate of 48/1000.
Paediatric trauma registries are valuable: preliminary results from a Romanian IDB pilot
Authors: Oprescu F , Chereches R M , Rus D , Sirlincan E O , Peek-Asa C
Published: March 2011

Traumatic injuries greatly affect children's physical and psychological well-being, affecting their school performance, and often leave children with life-long disabilities. A surveillance system has been pilot tested in the Emergency Department of the Cluj-Napoca Hospital as part of the EU Injury Data Base (IDB). Data collection were conducted according to the common IDB standard established in the Member States. The scope of the project was to identify the frequency and characteristics of childhood injuries with the goal of providing information to support prevention efforts and provide comparable data among Member States. Relying on a database in progress (N=1000), preliminary descriptive results indicate that over one third of injured children treated in the Children Hospital of Cluj-Napoca occur between 0 and 4 years of age. Children in this age group suffer twice as many injuries as in any other age group. As a result, every 6 months in Cluj County, one out of every 100 children younger than 4 years old receives emergency healthcare treatment for an injury. Furthermore, over two thirds of children sustained injuries to the head region, 40% of which affected the brain and/or the skull. These injuries have a strong potential for life-long disability, and increase the risk for future injuries. This pilot data provided a baseline for evidence-based prevention strategies with substantial return on investment; while further investigation is needed the pilot demonstrated that there is capability to collect EU quality level data in Romania.
Fall-related head injuries among alpine skiers and snowboarders in Slovenia
Authors: Konik I G , Kermanc M H , Mentis A F A , Germeni E , Petridou E
Published: March 2011

Background

Head injuries (HI) as a result of falls in winter sport activities, despite their incidence is not very high, they are due to their high severity of lesion, frequently associated with severe disabilities and complicated rehabilitations.

Methods

The magnitude of head injuries due to falls among alpine skiers and snowboarders (HIFASS) in Slovenia over the last decade were assessed using multiple nationwide Slovenian data. Hospitalisation-, emergency visitation- and mortality were calculated and compared to data of ski slope injuries. Differences by gender, age and injury were assessed, and annual changes were calculated by poisson regression analysis.

Results

78.083 hospitalisations, 98.557 emergency visits and 2.969 deaths due to HI were registered in the observed period, and the HIFASS were minimally represented among them (1.7% hospitalisations, 0.6% emergency visits and 0.3% deaths). Although the decreasing trend for all HI (annual change −2.1%, p=0.0001), HIFASS had an increasing secular trend (annual change +3%, p=0.001). Individuals younger than 40 years were the most affected and had also mostly severe intracranial lesions or bone fractures. The incidence of HIFASS was about 0.2 per 1000 skier-days.

Conclusion

Severe, even fatal HIFASS, may be prevented by carrying a helmet. Slovenia has mandatory helmet use legislation for children until 14 years of age. But take into account results of evidence-based systematic analyses, the obligatory helmet use should include all age groups.
A Profile of fatal injury risk for older adults in urban South Africa
Authors: Smith M , Marais S
Published: March 2011

Background

Injury mortality in South Africa, particularly homicide and road traffic injuries are still among the highest in the world. Although South Africa's population is gradually ageing, the safety of older persons is often neglected in favour of other vulnerable groups such as women and children. The study aims to describe the extent and distribution of fatal injuries occurring in older adults, in the four largest South African metropolitan centres.

Methods

The study is a register-based cross sectional investigation of causes of injury mortality for adults 60 years and older, as reported in the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System for four cities, for the period 2001 to 2006. Poisson regression was used to assess relative risk estimates among age and population groups, sex and cities. The role of alcohol and time and place of death was also investigated.

Results

Leading causes of death were pedestrian accidents (28.6%), homicide (20.3%) and suicide (11.4%). Males were found to be at higher risk for most external causes of death, markedly homicide (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.2), suicide (RR 2.2, 95% CI 2.1 to 2.5) and pedestrian accidents (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 1.9). Fatal injury patterns differed among cities and population groups.

Conclusions

The study highlights the unique challenges in providing a safe environment for the older population in a developing country. Further investigation is required to assess the association between injury-related mortality and poverty/deprivation and ethnicity among older people, as well as explain geographic variations in injury patterns.
Seasonal pattern of firework injury occurrence and development from 1995 to 2008 for a local area compared to all of Denmark
Authors: Foged T , Lauritsen J M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The purpose was to study injuries from fireworks in relation to: seasonal pattern of occurrence and development over the period December 1st 1995 to November 30th 2008 comparing the local area Odense to all of Denmark.

Materials and Methods Cause

Injuries from fireworks all patients sampled. Patients seen at the Emergency Department at Odense University Hospital (population 250 000) were used for annual distribution. All hospitals in Denmark (population 5 mio.) contributed patients for each New Year (31 December to 1 January) during the period.

Results

For the seasonal analysis 540 local patients were included and for the nationwide assessment 4711 patients. The seasonal distribution (percent, 95% CI) of injuries was: 1 December to 30th (17, 14 to 20), 31st December to – 1 January (64, 60 to 68), 1 January to 5th (4, 2 to 5), 6 January to 30 November (16, 13 to 19). Nationwide occurrence was cut from roughly 500 to 225 for New Year. The decrease over the period showed the same pattern for the whole country as in the local region (Chi2 test p=0.9), mostly due to diminished use of illegal fireworks.

Conclusion

During the study period the same decrease in firework injuries was seen locally and nationwide. Odense is therefore assumed representative for the rest of Denmark in the seasonal analysis. Roughly 2/3 of all year occurrence happens in New Year and 85% in the current legal period for consumers (1 December to 5 January). Correct usage of legal consumer fireworks should be safe, and currently this is not the case.
A study on unintentional injuries and social determinants of health factors based on a population survey in Hong Kong
Authors: Chui A
Published: March 2011

Background

Unintentional injuries are important causes of mortality and morbidity in Hong Kong and worldwide. With improved knowledge, effective interventions can be implemented to reduce the rate of injuries.

Objective

To study the relationship between unintentional injuries and social demographic factors and suggest ways to reduce injury occurrence and lessen its impact on health inequities in Hong Kong.

Methodology

A population-based Injury Survey was conducted by the Hong Kong Department of Health in 2008. Using a structured questionnaire published by the WHO, a total of 9022 non-institutionalised individuals of all ages in 3025 households were face-to-face interviewed. Data were grossed up to represent the study population.

Results

Overall, 6.2% (95% CI 5.6 to 6.7%) of population sustained at least one injury episode in the 12 months before enumeration which were serious enough to limit their normal activities. Both the injury rate and the hospitalisation rate were highest in the elderly aged 65 and above. Among those who had sustained an injury episode(s), a higher proportion of children aged 0 to 4 had three or more injury episodes during the study period as compared to other age groups. Descriptive analysis showed that injury occurrence varied in subgroups with different socio-economic backgrounds.

Conclusion

Injury occurrence varied among different subgroup populations. Interventions with regard to Education, Engineering and Enforcement – the “3 Es” that form the building blocks of injury prevention were explored.
Estimates of the burden of injuries in Ethiopia derived from all existing data sources
Authors: Abdella K , Bartolomeos K , Tsegaye F , Bhalla K , Abraham J
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Reliable estimates of burden of injuries in Ethiopia are needed for planning national health priorities. Such estimates should be developed using all available information sources in the country.

Materials and Methodology

We conducted an environmental scan of all available data sources that can inform estimates of the burden of injury in Ethiopia.

Data Analysis

We estimated the incidence of injury mortality by external causes by extrapolating rates computed using mortuary data in Addis Ababa (urban) and the Butajira DSS site (rural) to the urban and rural population of Ethiopia. We estimated the incidence of non-fatal injury incidence by external cause using point estimates from all of the national surveys. We used the hospital data to compute the burden of injuries that received institutional medical care.

Results

We provide comparative results of the incidence and burden of injuries in Ethiopia using all available data sources.

Conclusion and Discussion

We show that there are a multitude of country data sources that can inform estimates of the burden of injuries in Ethiopia, which is a country that is traditionally considered information-poor.
Promoting healthy and sustainable environments: opportunities for injury prevention
Authors: Pilkington P
Published: March 2011

There is a renewed emphasis on the importance of place as a major health determinant, including the need to promote healthier and more sustainable environments and communities. This is in the main a response to two of the most pressing public health issues of our time; climate change and what has been termed the obesity epidemic, both of which can only be addressed adequately through significant changes to our environment and way of life. This paper discusses the opportunities that this situation presents for injury prevention. It identifies a number of injury prevention related initiatives that could be advanced by capitalising on the shared agendas of injury prevention, sustainability, and the need to promote physical activity, including the lowering of default speed limits in residential areas and the healthy design of residential developments. The paper also discusses how public health professionals, often responsible for the wider health of their population, are ideally placed to facilitate shared agendas by bringing together the multi-agency and multi-professional groups required to take forward policies. This includes initiatives that may, either directly or indirectly, prevent injuries. Such professionals can ensure that this common purpose leads to action and facilitates the prevention of injuries in our communities.
Injury prevention: development and use
Authors: Hungerford D , Quigg Z , Edwards H , Warren I , Hughes K , Bellis M A
Published: March 2011

Aim

The Trauma and Injury Intelligence Group (TIIG) Injury Surveillance System (ISS) was established in the North West of England to improve injury data collection and sharing between public health professionals; focusing on Accident and Emergency Department (AED) data. Implementation of the ISS allows local agencies to understand the burden of injuries, target interventions towards at risk groups and communities, and evaluate injury prevention initiatives. This presentation discusses the development, use and sustainability of a population based ISS to prevent injury.

Methods

Data sharing and dissemination protocols were developed that enabled data from AEDs and other agencies (eg, ambulance/fire service) to be collated, analysed and shared with partner agencies. With addressing issues such as falls, alcohol and violence becoming increasingly important among local partners, TIIG facilitates the development of AED systems to record further information on the location and circumstances of intentional and unintentional injuries.

Results

Data have been used to develop, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at preventing injuries in children and older adults; inform violence prevention in nightlife settings; and to evaluate local injury campaigns. These initiatives have been associated with reductions in AED injury attendances. Barriers to project development and sustainability include: variations and changes in AED data collection systems; data quality issues and resource constraints.

Discussion

The ISS is helping professionals prevent injury through targeting resources towards risk locations, groups and communities. Collecting and sharing data on intentional and unintentional injury ensures the TIIG ISS has the flexibility to adapt to emerging issues.
Driver risk factors of road traffic injuries in an urban setting in Kenya: a case–control study
Authors: Odero W
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Published studies on road traffic injuries in Kenya are all descriptive. There is a dearth of data from controlled studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of driver risk factors for motor vehicle crashes.

Methods

This was a case–control study undertaken in Eldoret, Kenya. Cases were drivers of motor vehicles that had crashed and resulted in hospitalisation of the injured; controls were non-accident involved drivers randomly selected through a roadside survey from the driving population.

Results

150 case and 327 control drivers were interviewed. They were mostly young (mean age 36.8 years), male (96.7%), married (86%) with post-primary education (60%). The demographic characteristics of cases and controls were similar. The most important personal risk factors were age, not having a driving licence, alcohol use, overspeeding and use of mobile phones. Younger drivers (18–44 years) were twice as likely as older drivers to be involved in a crash [OR=1.84]; unlicensed drivers were 5 times more likely than those licensed to be involved in a crash; drivers who had consumed alcohol were three times more likely to crash [OR=2.94]; and those driving at a speed greater than the posted speed limit were 10 times more likely to crash [OR=10.378].

Conclusions

Modifiable driver factors such as licensing, speed, alcohol and use of mobile phones are important risk factors for cashes on urban roads. Enhanced awareness and enforcement of legislation on these factors should be emphasised as part of broader road safety interventions for all road users.
European map of prevalence rates on elder abuse and its impact for future research
Authors: De Donder L , Joo A , Luoma M , Schopf A , Tamutiene I , Vert D , Alves J Ferreira , Lang G , Koivusilta M , Reingarde J
Published: March 2011

Introduction

WHO and the International Network of the Prevention of Elder Abuse have recognised the abuse of older people as a significant global problem. Notwithstanding this recognition, generally the issue of elder abuse does not emerge as a major theme in research nor in the work of policymakers.

Method

This research is part of the “prevalence study of Abuse and Violence against Older Women” (AVOW) which is funded by the EU's Daphne III programme. The AVOW-study aims to provide knowledge about the prevalence of abuse and violence against older women in five European countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania and Portugal). The first phase of the research consisted of providing an overview about the state of the art of prevalence research on elder abuse, survey designs and methods, instruments and results in all European countries. Therefore, an extensive literature search and qualitative content analysis was conducted.

Results and Conclusion

Some EU-countries have a rich history of prevalence research, whereas other countries have just begun to tackle the issue. One of the lacunae concerns reliable data on the prevalence of elder abuse. Research about where, when and how often elder abuse occurs, is largely inadequate and inconsistent. Surveying elders on such a sensitive topic, however, implies a modified questionnaire and an adapted data collection method. Conclusively, substantive attention is paid to develop possible guidelines for future research.
Patterns of occupational injuries in two areas of southern China
Authors: Li L , Liu X , Lu Y , Yu M
Published: March 2011

Objective

We aimed to explore the pattern of occupational injuries in southern China and compare two different areas, coastal and mountain, to provide prevention measures for occupational injuries in China.

Methods

Occupational injury was identified as injury occurring when the activity was work, and data were chosen from the Injury Surveillance Project based on hospital data collected from April 2006 to April 2008. Description analysis and chi-square testing were used to analyse the distribution of injuries and the differences between the two areas.

Results

Men were more likely to experience occupational injuries, with no difference in the two areas(p=0.112). In the coastal area, patients aged 21–30 years were more likely to experience occupational injury than patients of 41–50 in the mountain area (p<0.001). Patients experiencing occupational injury in the two areas differed by location of household, education and occupation (p<0.001). Occupational injuries occurred in two peak months and one valley month, and the two peak times in the two areas significantly differed (p<0.001). Industry and construction places were the most frequent locations where occupational injuries occurred (p<0.001). Most occupational injuries were unintentional and not serious, and patients could go home after treatment. The two areas differed in external causes and consequences of the injuries.

Conclusion

The pattern of occupational injuries in coastal and mountain areas of southern China differed but had some common features. Measures should be taken to prevent occupational injuries in the different areas.
Historical trends of homicide and road traffic fatalities in South Africa: 1968–1989
Authors: Prinsloo M , Bradshaw D , Laubscher R
Published: March 2011

Introduction

South Africa has a high injury burden, with homicide and road traffic injuries (RTI) being the leading causes of injury death. There is little information about long-term trends. Good quality vital statistics are available for 1968–1989 for selected population groups and will be analysed towards understanding the historical pattern of violence and road deaths within South Africa.

Method

Unidentified unit record cause of death data with ICD-9 coding were obtained from the national statistical office for 1968–1989, including population groups assigned during the Apartheid-era, age and sex. Trends in injury proportions due to homicide and RTI and the ratio of homicide to suicide were examined by population group. Age standardised rates will be calculated for whites, coloureds and Indians since data for Blacks are incomplete.

Results

RTI as a proportion of total injuries were highest for whites and Indians at approximately 42% and 35% respectively. At 6–10 homicides for every suicide, the ratio for coloureds was fairly constant until 1980, after which it increased sharply for coloureds and Blacks. For whites the ratio was <1 over the period, while for Indians the ratio ranged between <1 and 2.5. Age standardised rates will also be presented.

Conclusion

Preliminary results indicate that homicides were considerably higher for coloureds and Blacks than for whites and Indians, with increases during the last stages of Apartheid. While fatal RTIs appear to have remained fairly constant, decreases which may have been associated with petrol restrictions during the global oil crisis were noticed.
Mixed treatment comparisons to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for preventing fire related injuries in children within the home
Authors: Dhiman P , Goncalves P S , Sutton A , Cooper N , Kendrick D
Published: March 2011

Aims

To identify, review and evaluate published literature investigating the effectiveness of strategies used to prevent fire related injuries in children within the home; and to conduct a mixed treatment comparison (MTC) to simultaneously produce effectiveness estimates which use the totality of the evidence base, thus facilitating decision making.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify and appraise the relevant comparative primary studies. These studies were classified with respect to the fire preventive strategies they compared. The data extracted were simultaneously synthesised using a MTC methodology. This approach (also known as network meta-analysis) allows estimates of the effectiveness of all interventions included in the model to be compared to one another.

An assessment of the coherence of the network was made, and covariates, such as level of deprivation, were included in the analysis to explore its impact on the estimation of effectiveness of different interventions. All models were evaluated in the WinBUGS software using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods.

Results and conclusions

Intervention categories, identified by the systematic review, included Education, Education + low cost/free equipment, Education + low cost equipment + a home safety inspection, Education + free equipment + offer of fitting, Education + a home safety inspection, and Community campaigns. A graphical network of evidence will be presented that indicates which interventions have been compared directly to each other. The results of the MTC will also be presented, including direct probability statements regarding which intervention is the most effective.
The powerful community network
Authors: Namprasert A
Published: March 2011

Background

Calamity crime and traffic accident have brought serious loss of community people for so long. Many savage and sensitive cases have caused for death or property damage and for mental health which is invaluable and lasts long time to be cured. Each year the government has to use a large amount of budget to solve the problems.

Methodology

According to the rapid change of the world, there is different way to prevent the serious cases in community which called community network. The main reason is that people cannot wait for help from the government officer without doing something when the crime or accident occurs. Moreover, the number of police officer is not enough to take care in every part. The community network means that the volunteer which includes people from many parts such as school students, villagers, doctors and nurses or even monks. All of these have been leaded by the policeman who has functioned to protect life and property of people.

Result

There are 1032 volunteer community guards to be the network members in Khao Suan Kwang district now. They are divided in many sections such as traffic police volunteer, community guard, student guard in school or youth guard in village etc. So the record of the illegal offender arresting can increase to 81.60%. And the target case of drug and illegal weapon can be seized up to 181.2 compare with the former time. Moreover, there is no serious case in community after setting this network.

Conclusion

Building up community network can make the community stronger. People can live together safely and warmly. Moreover, the government can create the sense of powerful people participation in practical.
Frequency of homicides against women in Villa Carlos Paz (Argentina), 2008
Authors: Casalegno N González , Territoriale C , Torrandell M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The homicide against women, have become a public health problem, for the social costs and family's psychological damage. The objective of the following study is to describe the magnitude of homicides against women above 15 years old during 2008, happened in the city of Villa Carlos Paz, with 56 970 people city in the centre of Argentina.

Methods

Observational retrospective study. 227 records of women mortality, happened during 2008, from the Civil National Registration Office of Villa Carlos Paz, cross with data from the General Direction of the Judicial police from the Córdoba province, from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. The following variates were analysed: age, date, place, mechanism of injury and relationship with the victim.

Results

It's been found a total of two death cases by homicides against women during 2008, that represents the 0.81% from the overall. The mortality due to homicides in women older than 15 years old in Villa Carlos Paz is 3.51 for 100 000 habitants. The 100% of this deaths happened in November and in the own house. The average age of deaths is 65 years old. The injury mechanism were 50% stab wound and 50% hangings. With respect to the relationship with the victim, there's not data.

Conclusion

This deaths could have been avoided. In the analysed records there's missing data in some variates that difficults the integral study.

Recommendations

Improve the compilation of death and promote the exchange of information with other areas; strategies of prevention; introduce the theme in the local government.
Evaluation of the Making WAVES project in Liverpool, England: improving support for intimidated witnesses
Authors: Quigg Z , Warren I , Hungerford D , Hughes K , Furness L
Published: March 2011

Background

Witness intimidation can have devastating effects on the well being of victims, their families and communities, and can prevent crime reporting, including violence. In Liverpool (North West England), the Making WAVES pilot project aimed to encourage intimidated witnesses to report crime and to support them throughout the criminal justice system more effectively. This paper discusses the evaluation of the Making WAVES project.

Methods

A process and outcome evaluation was undertaken. Project implementation, limitations and areas for improvement were examined. The evaluation assessed the impact of the project on: levels of support to intimidated witnesses, crime reporting and levels of witness intimidation. Methods included: a pre- and postpilot community wide survey; community focus groups; interviews with project staff, key stakeholders and project users; and analyses of project and local partner data.

Results

Over 12 months, 155 cases were supported through the project, representing 353 intimidated witnesses. Findings suggest that the project has led to improvements in reporting of crime and multi-agency support for victims. Significant reductions in levels of intimidation experienced in the local community were seen (55% to 22%; p<0.01). A project coordinator, a neutral location to report crimes and access support, and a multi-agency project steering group, were identified as areas of good practice.

Discussion

The evidence from this evaluation points to the positive impact of the Making WAVES project. As a result Making WAVES has now been implemented in four other areas of Liverpool, and is promoted nationally as best practice.
Reducing the road toll in Southern Africa through knowledge transfer and regulatory intervention
Authors: Fitzharris M , Bowman D , Kestler A , Sebego M
Published: March 2011

Despite the relative lack of motorisation, the African region had the equal highest mortality in 2007 globally, at 32.2 deaths per 100 000 population (WHO 2009). With increasing rates of motorisation, traffic-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa are projected to increase by 80%; in contrast, a 30% reduction in deaths in high income countries is anticipated (Kopits & Cropper 2003). The Make Roads Safe Decade of Action campaign has highlighted the urgency of addressing road safety globally. In the adopted Moscow Declaration, as well as the Outcome Document of the UN Economic Commission for Africa Dar es Salaam 2009 Road Safety Symposium, the need for harmonisation of best practice road safety regulations was noted.

The World Report on road traffic injury prevention acknowledged the State of Victoria (Australia) as a world leader in the implementation of road safety programmes. Regulatory strategies, such as seat-belt laws were, and remain, a key plank in addressing the road toll.

This presentation outlines the nature of the road safety situation in one African country, specifically Botswana. A comparative analysis of the scale of road trauma in Botswana and Victoria is presented. Based on this and that of a comparative analysis of the road safety regulatory frameworks in the two jurisdictions, recommendations as to how reductions in road crashes might be achieved in Botswana with limited expenditure are outlined. The findings are also likely to be relevant to other countries within Africa that are grappling with the mounting cost of crashes.