bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arnon's model: the use of behaviour change process to reduce violence amongst youth
Authors: Namprasert Pol. Col. Arnon
Published: October 2012

Background

Youth trends of physical fighting and abuse, motorcycle gangs, and rock throwing as a form of attack is dangerous and can cause injury. These growing trends are becoming more violent each year. A recent survey conducted at Khao Suan Kwang District, Khon Kaen Province in Thailand found that 600 people, the majority youth, were injured in 1 year due to violence. Traffic accidents were the main cause of injury, and bullying was a minor cause. Arnon's Model was, therefore, designed to reduce youth violence by using behaviour change process.

Methods

Data were obtained from four phases in the Arnon Model. First, participants aged 15–25 years were selected based on their involvement in activities such as motorcycle and bullying gangs. Second, participants were trained as the military for 5 days to develop discipline and strengthen self-responsibility. Third, they were provided hands-on experiences to change their attitude, such as visiting prisoners or patients injured from accidents. Fourth, behaviour change was encouraged through community service volunteering.

Results

Arnon's model was effective in changing behaviour amongst at-risk youth at Khao Suan Kwang District. Youth violence was reduced by more than 70%.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of Arnon's model has been extended to 10 other provinces. It has also effectively reduced drug use among youth.
Now I lay you down to sleep: reducing suffocation risk in the infant sleep environment
Authors: Schnitzer P , Covington T , Dykstra H
Published: October 2012

Background

Suffocation is the leading cause of injury death among infants in the USA. Infant suffocation mortality rates increased from 2.8 to 12.5 deaths/100 000 live births between 1984 and 2004. This increase has coincided with a decrease in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and an increase in infant mortality due to undetermined causes.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Describe the circumstances of sleep-related infant deaths and compare the injury circumstances and risk factors of infant suffocation deaths to those diagnosed as SIDS and undetermined causes to inform epidemiology, prevention and policy.

Methods

Infant sleep-related deaths that occurred from nine states between 2005 and 2008 were analysed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted comparing suffocation deaths to SIDS and undetermined cause deaths.

Results/Outcomes

A total of 3136 sleep-related infant deaths were analysed: 939 (29.9%) diagnosed as suffocation, 960 (30.6%) as SIDS and 1237 (39.5%) as undetermined cause. Infants who suffocated (compared to SIDS) were more likely to be≥8 months old (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.7), found on their stomach (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6), in an adult bed (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.2) or couch (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7 to 4.8). Compared to undetermined cause deaths, infants who suffocated were more likely to be found on their stomach (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2), in an adult bed (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.9) or couch (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Injury circumstances and risk factors in infant suffocation deaths differ from SIDS and undetermined cause deaths. These findings offer clues for prevention.
IMPACT OF TAI CHI ON IMPAIRMENT, FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION, AND DISABILITY AMONG PRECLINICALLY DISABLED OLDER PEOPLE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Day L , Hill KD , Jolley D , Cicuttini F , Flicker L , Segal V , Stathakis V
Published: October 2012

Background

Integration of falls prevention with promotion of independence for older people will enhance uptake of effective programs.

Objective

To test the effect of tai-chi on both progression of disability and falls prevention in the elderly.

Methods

Multi-site parallel group individually randomised controlled trial. Participants were pre-clinically disabled community-dwelling people 70+ yrs (n=503), without major medical conditions or moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Intervention was modified Sun style tai-chi compared with seated flexibility exercise, both programs delivered in groups for 60 minutes twice weekly for 24 weeks. Disability was measured with the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Falls were reported using a monthly post-card calendar system.

Results

There was little effect on disability or falls outcomes. The largest disability difference was in the Disability Limitation Score: mean change was -0.1 and -0.04 points for intervention and control groups respectively (adjusted difference -0.6 95% CI -2.31 to 1.11). Multiple imputation of missing data did not change the result. Falls per 100 person years were 57.7 and 59.6 for intervention and control groups respectively (rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.41). A higher proportion of intervention participants ceased attending the exercise program (difference=17.9%, 95% CI 9.6 to 25.8).

Significance

Modified Sun style tai-chi did not impact on disability or falls in pre- clinically disabled older people when delivered for 24 weeks. Withdrawal from the exercise classes was high but did not explain the null result. It is not clear whether improved compliance or a longer or more intensive program would have achieved a better result.
Fall risk and fitness among older adults enrolled in balance and strength training classes
Authors: Goss C , Thoreson S , Harrod C , Clark L , DiGuiseppi C
Published: October 2012

Background

The fall risk profile of older adults who participate in community balance/strength classes for fall prevention is not well described.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We examined fall risk and fitness in older adults taking N'Balance™, an 8-week community-based balance/strength programme.

Methods

All 241 first-time participants aged 60+ in 34 consecutive N'Balance programmes held in the study community completed surveys, and staff-administered 30-second chair stand and 8-foot up-and-go tests, during the first and last class. 89% consented to release results to investigators. We calculated fall risk and fitness estimates with Wald 95% CIs. We analysed before-after changes using paired-t or Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results/Outcomes

Mean participant age was 75.7 years; 82.1% were female, 96.7% had secondary or higher education, and 26.1% (95% CI 20.5% to 32.7%) had BMI≥30. Half (48.1%; 41.3%, 54.9%) had fallen at least once in the past year. Overall, 79.9% (73.9%, 84.8%) had at least one important fall risk (age≥75, fairly-to-very concerned about falling, frequent ‘near falls’, or fall history). At post-test (83% response), frequency of ‘near’ falls decreased significantly (Z=−6.816, p<0.001); fear of falling (Short Fall Efficacy Scale-International) declined by 0.8 points (p<0.001), 30-second chair stand improved by 1.7 stands (p<0.001), and 8-foot up-and-go improved by 1.1 s (p<0.001).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Most older adults in community balance/strength classes are at high risk of falls, indicating that such classes are successfully reaching those in need of fall prevention. The N'Balance programme decreased self-reported ‘near’ falls and fear of falling, and improved fitness; controlled evaluation of its effect on falls is needed.
Preventing children falling from residential buildings: lessons of success from a working party
Authors: Candace Douglass , Danny Cass , Lauren Cohen , Peter Conroy , Stephen Durnford , Patricia Manglick , Cathy Sherry
Published: October 2012

Background

The Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW) has seen an alarming increase in the number of children accidentally falling from windows and balconies. Most of these children suffer serious injuries and, sadly, many of them never recover. Recognising that these tragic accidents are preventable, staff at CHW formed a working party in 2009 to address this important issue.

Aim

The Working Party for the Prevention of Children Falling from Residential Buildings hopes to see a dramatic reduction in the number of children admitted to hospital as a direct result of initiatives outlined in their report. These initiatives focus on education, awareness, regulatory measures for existing buildings and design standards for new buildings.

Method

Representatives from government and non-government organisations were invited to join a committee to produce a report, outlining the key issues and providing recommendations to curb this growing problem.

Results

The formation of a working party consisting of a wide range of professionals has been extremely useful in addressing the issue of Australian children falling from residential buildings. To date, there has been exceptional uptake of the issue within the industry and community and a wide range of changes are already in the process of implementation. Changes to Australian Building Codes have been approved and consultation is currently underway on NSW Tenancy Laws.

Significance

We believe the model utilised in the prevention of children falling from residential buildings has been extremely successful in garnering support for the issue and pushing for change in a wide range of settings. In particular, the use of a document written by experts in a range of fields has created a model for future injury prevention projects undertaken at CHW.
Built environment safety: epidemiology of head and brain injury and fractures from stair falls in Canada
Authors: Barss P , Hiscoe L , Myers M , Blackett H , Olsen K
Published: October 2012

Background

Falls are overtaking traffic injuries as the leading cause of not only injury hospitalisation, but also death. Stairs are of special interest for prevention by design, being subject to building codes.

Objectives

To assess importance and determinants of stair as causes of death and hospitalisation in Canada and a major rural-small urban region in the British Columbia interior.

Methods

National and provincial mortality and hospitalisation databases were used to compare determinants and trends of external cause W10 with other falls, grouping nature of injury codes for W10 by head and brain trauma and limb fractures.

Results

In Canada, stair-related deaths averaged 280/year and 0.9/100 000 person years in 32 000 000 population during 2000–2008, accounting for 63% of inter-level fall deaths, 25% of known and 13% of all fall causes. There were about 10 000 stair-related hospitalisations/year, 36 : 1 hospitalisations:deaths. The British Columbia Interior Health Region had 2586 hospitalisations, 3.5/1000 person years in 750 000 population during 2002–2010; 54% were females, with 46% females and 54% males <65 years-old. Head injuries represented 12% of hospitalisations, extremity fractures most others. Males 5–64-years-old accounted for most severe head injuries, including subdural and epidural haematomas. Stairs were the leading specified cause of head injury, exceeding road crashes.

Significance

Stairs are a key built-environment issue, especially for homes. With victims younger than for most falls, disability can be prolonged. Building codes should provide automatic passive protection for all ages by mandating step geometry including deeper treads and short uniform risers, graspable handrails, and high vertical barriers.
Finding balance: using collaboration and evidence to help prevent seniors' falls
Authors: Belton K , Fernandes J , Sunley L
Published: October 2012

Background

An estimated one in three persons over the age of 65 is likely to fall at least once a year. In 2008 older adults' falls were the leading cause of injury hospital admissions and injury emergency department visits in Alberta, Canada. From 1999 to 2008 there has been a 30% increase in the number of older adults admitted to hospital due to a fall and a 54% increase in the number of older adults seen in an emergency department due to a fall.

Aims/Obejectives/Purpose

The purpose of this initiative was to create greater awareness about seniors' falls and promote targeted, evidence-based falls risk prevention messages. It also aimed to connect seniors, families and health care providers to programmes in their communities.

Methods

A communications strategy using various tactics, from social media to print advertisements, was developed to promote proven seniors' falls prevention interventions. Tools and resources were also promoted among practitioners.

Results/Outcome

Since 2008 when the initiative started we have seen a 13% increase in seniors reporting they are taking actions to prevent falling. An additional 7% of seniors are ‘keeping active’ and a further 9% are ‘watching their step,’ two key messages of the strategy.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Falls prevention among seniors is pivotal to reducing the burden of injury on Albertans. Providing knowledge, tools and support to community stakeholders within a variety of disciplines is a viable method to address falls among seniors, perhaps influencing practice in other injury areas.
Impact of Tai Chi on impairment, functional limitation, and disability among preclinically disabled older people: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Day L , Hill KD , Jolley D , Cicuttini F , Flicker L , Segal V , Stathakis V
Published: October 2012

Background

Integration of falls prevention with promotion of independence for older people will enhance uptake of effective programmes.

Objective

To test the effect of tai-chi on both progression of disability and falls prevention in the elderly.

Methods

Multi-site parallel group individually randomised controlled trial. Participants were pre-clinically disabled community-dwelling people 70+ yrs (n=503), without major medical conditions or moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Intervention was modified Sun style tai-chi compared with seated flexibility exercise, both programmes delivered in groups for 60 min twice weekly for 24 weeks. Disability was measured with the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Falls were reported using a monthly post-card calendar system.

Results

There was little effect on disability or falls outcomes. The largest disability difference was in the Disability Limitation Score: mean change was −0.1 and −0.04 points for intervention and control groups respectively (adjusted difference −0.6 95% CI −2.31 to 1.11). Multiple imputation of missing data did not change the result. Falls per 100 person years were 57.7 and 59.6 for intervention and control groups respectively (rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.41). A higher proportion of intervention participants ceased attending the exercise programme (difference=17.9%, 95% CI 9.6 to 25.8).

Significance

Modified Sun style tai-chi did not impact on disability or falls in preclinically disabled older people when delivered for 24 weeks. Withdrawal from the exercise classes was high but did not explain the null result. It is not clear whether improved compliance or a longer or more intensive programme would have achieved a better result.
FIRST EYE CATARACT SURGERY AND HOSPITALISATION FOR A FALL
Authors: Meuleners L , Ng J , Morlet N , Fraser M
Published: October 2012

Background

With an increasing ageing population, the burden from both visual impairment and falls is expected to increase substantially. Cataract surgery is known to improve vision as well as enhancing quality of life, activity levels and confidence, however, little is known about the impact of cataract surgery on falls.

Aims/ Objectives/ Purpose

To assess the association between first eye cataract surgery and hospitalisation from injuries due to a fall in older adults at the population level.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study was undertaken using the Western Australian Hospital Morbidity Data System and Western Australian mortality data between 2004 and 2008.

Results/ Outcomes

Of the 15,295 patients who underwent cataract surgery in one eye only, 600 patients (3.92%) were involved in 625 hospital admissions from injuries due to a fall, either one year before (n=273) or one year after (n=352) first eye cataract surgery. Thirty percent of these hospitalisations were for femoral neck fractures. Poisson generalised estimating equations confirmed a significant increase of 27% (adjusted risk ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.56; p=0.02) in hospitalisation from injuries due to a fall one year after first eye cataract surgery.

Significance/ Contribution to the field

First eye cataract surgery was associated with an increase in hospital admission from injuries due to a fall in the year after, compared to the year before cataract surgery. Further research is needed to determine the underlying causes and reasons.
Community-dwelling older people hospitalised for fall-related injury: characterising high length of stay users
Authors: Vu T , Finch C , Day L
Published: October 2012

Background

Nearly half to 60% of falls in community-dwelling older people aged 65+ years result in physical injuries and 20%–50% of these require medical attention, including emergency department visit and hospitalisation. Fallers who stay in hospital longer than would be expected based on the primary injury diagnosis create an excess financial burden on the health system and represent a priority target group for fall prevention.

Objectives

To identify and characterise high-length-of-stay (HLOS) patients among community-dwelling older people aged 65+ years hospitalised for fall-related injury.

Methods

We analysed hospital discharge data from Victoria, Australia, to identify and characterise HLOS patients among community-dwelling older people aged 65+ years hospitalised for fall-related injury. We defined an episode as HLOS if the length of stay (LOS) was more than three times the average LOS for a particular diagnosis-related group.

Results

Between 2005/06 and 2007/08 6822 patients (14.2% of the study group of which 73.8% were women) had ≥1 episode classified as HLOS. The HLOS patients accounted for 19.9% of episodes and 39.9% of bed days. HLOS patients were similar to non-HLOS patients in terms of indigenous status, in-hospital mortality and ethnicity. However, HLOS patients were older, less likely to be married, less likely to have hospital insurance and more likely to have comorbidity than non-HLOS patients.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This study identifies priority groups for a targeted prevention approach.
Social marketing of fall prevention classes to older adults through Churches: cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: DiGuiseppi C , Thoreson S , Goss C. , Marosits M , Lezotte D , Clark L
Published: October 2012

Background

Older adult falls are a leading cause of injuries, disability, and death. Participation in balance/strength classes prevents falls, but few older adults take these classes.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

We tested whether marketing of community balance/strength classes to older adults through churches increased participation.

Methods

In two study counties, 51 churches were randomly allocated to intervention or control. We partnered with intervention churches to market N'Balance, an 8-week balance/strength class. The social marketing programme highlighted benefits (e.g., independence) and reduced barriers (e.g., cost) to class participation. Participants in all 34 N'Balance classes held in study counties during the 21-month study period were asked age, church attended, and prior classes taken (97% response); 195 first-time N'Balance participants aged 60+ attended study churches. Mean numbers of first-time participants aged 60+, and mean proportions of adults aged 60+ who participated, in intervention vs control churches, were compared using zero-inflated negative binomial regression and Wilcoxon Two-Sample Test, respectively.

Results/Outcomes

Intervention (n=26) and control (n=25) churches demonstrated similar size, denomination and other characteristics. The mean number of participants from intervention churches was higher than from control churches (7.0 vs 0.5, RR=11.2 [95% CI 7.5 to 16.8], p<0.0001). The mean proportion of older adults from intervention churches who participated was higher than from control churches (9.8% vs 0.2%; Z=−4.47, p<0.001).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Marketing balance/strength classes through churches effectively motivates older adults to enrol in such classes. Testing the social marketing programme in other locales is needed to determine its wider applicability for promoting balance/strength classes to prevent older adult falls.
Product safety—so who is responsible?
Authors: Martin Rushton
Published: October 2012

Product safety concerns—both real and perceived—are increasing around the world both numerically and in complexity. Scientific discoveries and technologies rapidly flow through to consumer products incorporating innovative and novel features being placed on the market.

Against that backdrop product safety practitioners are frequently confronted with having to assess and manage risks with limited data and experience to draw upon, compounded by fiscal constraints that feature in many jurisdictions.

There are no ‘quick fixes’. It is easy to say that there should be laws or standards covering these issues. The breadth and diversity of products on offer to consumers who demand innovation inevitably means that legislation and standards development will be playing ‘catch up’. Proponents of a precautionary approach suggest that unless a product is proven to be 100% safe it ought not to be on sale. Proving a negative is notoriously difficult.

Given these realities, who is responsible and how can the risks around consumer products be best mitigated?

This presentation is aimed at prompting debate around these issues with the presenter drawing experience gained over 30 years as a product safety regulator in the UK and more recently in New Zealand. Using examples of current product safety issues to illustrate these challenges; the presentation will point towards a multi-faceted based around a greater sharing of roles and responsibilities amongst stakeholders from governments, businesses and NGOs through to consumers themselves.
Prioritising children product safety initiatives based on frequency, severity & product causality: a secondary data analysis of Queensland injury surveillance unit data
Authors: Limbong J , McKenzie K , Scott D , Walker S
Published: October 2012

Background

In product safety system and injury prevention fields, resource allocations are prioritised to issues with high frequency, severity and preventability. Based on these indicators, injury surveillance data are expected to provide evidence-based information to support product safety system.

Aim

The research aimed to inform product safety prioritisation based on three indicators (frequency, injury severity and product causality) using Queensland injury surveillance data.

Methods

A secondary analysis of Queensland paediatric injury data (2008–2010) was conducted to identify product safety issues. Priority areas were identified based on frequency, injury severity (i.e. urgency and admission rate) and product causality.

Results

In terms of frequency, fall-related injury was identified as the most common injury mechanism accounting for 35% of all paediatric injuries with high peaks in age groups 1–3 and 10–13-years-old. Based on urgency and admission rate, injuries due to suffocation and chemical effect were identified as the most severe injury mechanisms. Product causality was highest in falls and foreign body-related injuries with high proportion of product being the main cause of injury (49% and 43%, respectively). Based on all indicators, the study identified several product safety priority areas targeting injuries due to fall, chemical effects and foreign body.

Contribution to the Field

This study provides information on the techniques of interrogating injury data to identify trends and patterns of product-related injury. Currently, injury data are still underutilised to inform product safety initiatives. This study advocates the use of injury data to support the evidence-based product safety initiatives.
Development of consumer product design tools for considering child safety
Authors: Nishida Y , Asaka T , Yamanaka T
Published: October 2012

Background

Tools for supporting design of consumer products that is safe for children is strongly needed. Conventionally, toy companies and other child related consumer product manufacturers developed such tools by themselves. However medium and small companies whose main products are not for children have difficulty in developing such tools by themselves.

Purpose

This study develops commonly usable tools for childsafe consumer products design even if main users of the products are not children.

Methods

The authors developed some tools for supporting childsafe consumer product design using the measure data of 2228 children's aged 6 months old to 13-years-old by cooperating human engineering researchers with product designers. These data have been accumulated by Research Institute of Human Engineering for Quality Life (HQL) and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) since 2005 in Japan. The data includes over 50 kinds of body measurements.

Results

The authors developed a data book on the measure of Japanese child (Fig. 1), a portable measure of child (Fig. 2), and portable absolute scale models of child (Fig. 3). For example, the portable measure of child draws the thickness of the index finger of 1-year-old child as well as it can be used as an ordinary scale. At this moment, 1 to 6-year-old measures are available.

Significance

This study developed commonly usable tools for childsafe consumer products design. The authors plan to disseminate the developed tools through seminar, publication, and lecture at colleges and professional schools.
Say cheese!—equestrian helmet use in publication photos of horse organisations
Authors: Jennissen C , Waheed S , Harland K , Denning G
Published: October 2012

Background

Equestrian helmets are effective in preventing head injuries, but use remains low. The media can have a great impact on injury prevention both positively and negatively by their portrayal of protective safety equipment or lack thereof.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To determine the equestrian helmet use of individuals pictured in horse organisation promotional materials.

Methods

Literature was requested from horse organisations. Photographs in the materials received were reviewed for equestrian helmet use and analysed.

Results/Outcomes

113 of 335 organisations responded and 95 sent publications. 2004 photos with 2738 people were evaluated. The highest equestrian helmet use was by children, and teen helmet use was generally portrayed more frequently than in adults. The lowest rate was in the elderly (14.6%). Helmet use was highest in photos that depicted competition-jumping (87.9%). Competition-riding and pleasure-riding helmet use was only 30.0% and 34.5%, respectively. No one who was pictured while working on, with or while on a horse was shown with an equestrian helmet; nor was anyone in a parade. Adults riding with children did have a higher rate of wearing an equestrian helmet than adults who were pleasure-riding in general (44.2% vs 23.2%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Photographs in horse organisation literature often show people not wearing helmets during equine-related activities. Horse organszations have the ability to define equestrian helmet use as normative behaviour by always portraying people with helmets in their published materials. Developing an equestrian safety culture of routine helmet use should decrease the number of serious head injuries experienced by horse enthusiasts.
Bridging the gap between research evidence and real-world implementation: the nogaps project
Authors: Gabbe B , Cook J , Lloyd D , Donaldson A , Young W , Finch C
Published: October 2012

Background

There is an increasing momentum to develop, widely implement and evaluate evidence-based injury prevention programmes in sport. However, navigating the literature to evaluate the evidence, and bridging the gap between the research environment and the real-world implementation context, is challenging.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

This study aimed to develop an evidence-based lower limb injury prevention exercise programme for implementation and evaluation in community Australian football.

Methods

Development of the programme involved a systematic review of the literature including consideration of compliance, cost, adverse effects, uptake and feasibility. The review was used to develop a draft exercise-based programme (FootyFirst) to prevent hamstring, hip/groin, knee and ankle injuries. The programme was presented to stakeholders in Australian football for feedback through a Delphi process and then field tested for feasibility. The final programme was then implemented in two football leagues under two conditions (fully supported and programme only), with a third league acting as a control.

Results/Outcome

The evidence-base for lower limb injury prevention strategies was limited, making direct extrapolation of research findings to programme content challenging. Three rounds of the Delphi process were required before consensus of the programme content was achieved. Further modifications were made after field testing. The programme was implemented in time for the 2012 season.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Developing a comprehensive programme with a strong foundation in the published research evidence was challenging, requiring many modifications and extensive consultation to develop a programme with face validity and a strong probability of uptake. The effectiveness FootyFirst is currently being evaluated.
Sports-related concussion among high school athletes in West Central Florida
Authors: Jang S , Liller KD , Konin J , Morris B , Wong S
Published: October 2012

Background

Sports concussion among children and adolescents has been recognised as an important public health concern. Research shows that these groups are at increased risk for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related issues such as delayed recovery and long-term sequelae.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to collect and report concussion data from high school athletes enrolled in four public high schools in west-central Florida.

Methods

Sports-related injury data (including concussion incidence) were collected from 9 August to 12 December 2010 utilising professional sports injury surveillance software. The surveillance system captured exposure and risk factor information of high school athletes. Four certified athletic trainers (ATCs) were hired by the Sports Medicine and Athletic Related Trauma (SMART) Institute of the University of South Florida to collect the data. The ATCs exported the information to the university once a week for analysis.

Results/Outcome

There were 24 sports-related concussions reported during the data collection period. The majority of concussions took place during football competitions and practices (87.5%). The concussed athletes were mostly males (95.83%) and juniors (33.33%) followed by freshman (25%). The leading level of play for injury was varsity (66.67%) followed by junior varsity (JV) (33.33%). The leading concussion symptom was headache (21.59%) followed by dizziness/unsteadiness (15.91%) and sensitivity to light/visual disturbances (11.36%). The leading reported concussion time was 1–3 days (37.5%). Players returned to play mostly within 7–9 days (68.75%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

These data will serve to inform future research and practice to prevent concussions among high school athletes.
Barriers to helmet use for drivers of all-terrain vehicles
Authors: Lauren Adams , Mary Aitken , James Graham , Hope Mullins , Mechelle Winslow , Vance Layce , Brann Maria
Published: October 2012

Background

Injuries from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) often result in head injuries with substantial risk of death and disability. Despite these risks, helmet use is less than 50%.

Objective

To identify barriers to helmet use in ATV users.

Methods

Moderator guides were framed using the health belief model of behaviour change. Focus groups were conducted with adolescent and adult ATV users to discuss ATV use. Transcript-based analysis was used, and data was managed using HyperRESEARCH(2.8.3). The transcribed data was coded to identify important themes.

Results

11 focus groups were conducted with 58 participants, who discussed use patterns, current safety practices, and barriers to using helmets. Preliminary themes were a lack of perceived risk of ATV injury and underestimation of likely injury severity. Less frequently, barriers included helmet discomfort, cost, and inconvenience. Suggested solutions were helmet laws for riders <18 years old, helmet redesign, and development of visual aids/crash simulations to convey dangers of ATV use.

Conclusions

Our study identifies risk misperception among ATV riders. Injury prevention should focus on education regarding risks of unsafe ATV behaviours and the danger of the vehicles themselves. Once risks are better understood by users, other interventions including helmet redesign and distribution may be more effective.
WAI wise: a fun, practical and effective water safety experience for young adults
Authors: Willcox S , Butt P , Hakaraia-Tino T , Sullivan B , Hudson R
Published: October 2012

Background

Youth are one of the most at-risk groups of drowning. From 2006–2010, 447 people drowned in New Zealand (NZ), of which 16% were aged 15–24 years.

In Auckland, 104 people drowned in the same period; 23% Pacific Island people, 13% Maori and 6% Asian, all high risk groups for drowning.

To address drowning within these groups,Wai Wisewas developed in partnership with Sport Waitakere, Safe Waitakere, Surf Life Saving NZ and WaterSafe Auckland, funded by Sport NZ.Wai Wisespecifically targets Pacific Island, Maori and Asian youth in Waitakere (West Auckland).

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

• To increase the skills, knowledge and confidence of youth for safer participation in aquatic activities

• Develop role models for promoting safety messages throughout the community.

Method

Wai Wiseis delivered over a 6–8 week period through both theory and practical sessions in the classroom, pool and outdoor environments.

Results and Outcomes

- 168 youth have completedWai Wise

- Participants report significantly increasing their water safety knowledge and survival skills

- Participants report significantly increasing their confidence around water

- 24 young ‘leaders’ trained to promote safer behaviour and attitudes among their communities

- Wider outcomes include improvedhaoura

(health and wellbeing) of participants

Significance/Contribution

This innovative approach combining practical pool and beach sessions, classroom learning and application through an aquatic activity develops critical thinking and decision making. Participants are able to assess and minimise risks of the activity or environment that could lead to injury or death and be role models to create safer communities for the future.
Pools2Schools – A watersafe Auckland Initiative for school aquatic education
Authors: Chris Burton , Teresa Stanley
Published: October 2012

The Pools2Schools programme aimed to deliver a multi-dimensional aquatics education programme within a cluster of schools. Funded by Sport Auckland, the programme consisted of professional development for teachers, poolside support, provision of classroom resources and extracurricular activities.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The aim being up-skilling the teachers to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum, to ensure students have the opportunity to learn basic aquatic skills and increase participation.

Methods

Classes mostly consisted of fundamental skill development in swimming and water safety, with extracurricular sessions consisting of aquatic sports including squad coaching, flippa ball, snorkelling, surf lifesaving, as well as remedial classes. Ten organisations have been involved in the programme, with around 2100 students taking part across 11 schools. For schools in the cluster without a pool, a portable pool was used.

Results/Outcome

‘Our staff, students and community benefited from our participation in this project in a number of different ways. I am of the opinion that this is mostly due to having a facilitator working with the teachers, providing professional guidance at all times. This support is in addition to the professional development staff meetings we had. Very few projects have this level of support and professional development for staff and the results are a reflection of this’—Principal.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The programme has had many positive outcomes for students, schools and the wider community. Students have had huge increases in swimming, water safety skills. Teachers have noted development in their ability and confidence to deliver aquatic programmes. Parents mentioned the positive outlook the students now have about swimming.
Development and evaluation of campaigns to reduce rip current-related beach drowning in Australia
Authors: Hatfield J , Williamson A , Brander R , Sherker S , Hayen A , Dunn N
Published: October 2012

Background

Rip currents are involved in a high proportion of beach drowning and rescue incidents. The most common type of rips in Australia is a fixed rip that appears as a darker, calmer area between regions of breaking waves. People who swim in unpatrolled areas may be endangered by a lack of knowledge about rips – for example choosing to swim in a rip because it looked calm and safe.

Aims

This research aimed to develop and evaluate the ‘Don't get sucked in by the rip’ campaign to improve beachgoer knowledge and recognition of calm-looking rip currents, and to reduce intentions to swim in such rips.

Methods

In Study 1, beachgoers were interviewed in an intervention and a control area 1 year before, immediately after, and approximately 6 months after, print-based campaign materials were distributed in the intervention area. Study 2 compared i-pad presentations featuring photographs versus videos of calm-looking rips, using pre- and post-surveys with beachgoers.

Results/Outcome

Study 1 demonstrated reasonable penetration and resulted in improved knowledge and behaviours related to rip currents. These improvements were maintained at follow-up. Study 2 indicates whether video-based campaigns improve on the impacts of picture-based campaigns.

Significance

It appears to be common that people drown when they choose to swim in rips inadvertently because the rip looks calm and a safe place to swim. Such drowning might be avoided by relatively simple campaigns designed to improve knowledge and recognition of commonly occurring fixed rip currents.
Aquatic safety signage recognition and comprehension
Authors: Andronaco R , Matthews B , Grace S , Adams A , Arrowsmith C
Published: October 2012

Background

Aquatic safety signs are designed to alert potential users of aquatic related hazards such as strong currents (rips), submerged rocks or dangerous marine life. Failure to recognise and understand aquatic safety signage may lead to serious consequences such as drowning or spinal injury. Limited research exists regarding effective aquatic safety signage and the extent of compliance with signs.

Aims

This study aims to determine the extent of recognition and understanding of aquatic safety signage at Victorian beaches.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with coastal recreation users at two bay and two ocean beaches in Victoria from February to April 2012. Participants aged 18 years or over were invited to participate in the study. Three different signage conditions were used; no signage, composite or single signs, and broken down signage. A questionnaire was developed to measure: hazard identification, likely consequences, and perceived injury severity resulting from the hazards identified; observations regarding beach hazard symbols, comprehension of the meaning of the symbols and whether changing the shape of the warning sign affects interpretation of the message.

Results

531 beachgoers responded to the survey. Of the beaches where signage was in place 45% of people observed the signage. Signage composition and hazard symbol shape did not affect recognition.

Significance

The outcomes of this research provided data from which to model the design of aquatic safety signage placed on beaches. It also provides insight into signage effectiveness as a risk treatment option.
Drowning in the great lakes of Uganda: a neglected problem
Authors: Mable Nakitto , Bonnie Wandera , Ronald Lett
Published: October 2012

Background

Drowning has continued to be one of the leading causes of injury deaths in the great lakes of Uganda. Activities of boat transportation and commercial fishing have contributed to drowning. There are neither community studies nor mandatory death registrations to drowning related data.

Aim

To compare drowning and near drowning cases reported in the hospital trauma registries and the print media in the year 2010 in Uganda.

Methods

Print media reports in four English newspaper magazines in Uganda (one government owned and three private owned), published between January and July 2010 were reviewed and compared these with reported drowning and near drowning cases recorded in a nationwide regional hospital based trauma registry.

Results

98 persons were reported in four newspapers. 61(62.2%) drowning deaths were confirmed while a total of 21(21.4%) were near drowning cases. There was inconclusive information regarding the survival and or rescue of the remaining 16 (16.3%) persons. 2834 trauma registry cases in the same period of 2010, indicated three (0.1%) cases were recorded. All these were near drowning cases.

Significance

There is limited information on the burden of drowning as a result of no systematic process to record and track drowning related incidents and deaths. Hospital trauma registries under estimate the drowning cases thus systematic community based surveys are needed to quantify the burden of drowning and act as a baseline research for drowning interventional research in Uganda.
A 9 year analysis of drowning in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years in Australia, 2002–2011
Authors: Peden A
Published: October 2012

Background

There has been limited analysis and exploration of drowning deaths that occur in children aged 5–19 years.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To undertake an analysis of drowning deaths of children 5–19 years in Australia.

To explore strategies for prevention.

Methods

Information was collected for the period July 2002 to June 2011 on all drowning deaths in Australia using multiple sources including the National Coroners Information System. Cases were excluded if he death was intentional (ie suicide, homicide), from natural causes, or from an animal (eg shark attack, crocodile attack), or hypothermia where known.

Results/Outcome

Over the 9 years there were 271 (46%) deaths of 5–19-year-olds. As children aged, the predominant locations of drowning deaths transitioned from home environments (swimming pools and bathtubs) to open waterways (rivers, creeks and streams). A related transition occurred in activity prior to drowning, where younger children were more likely to fall into water and be bathing and older children drowning in more active pursuits such as swimming and recreating, using watercraft and intentionally entering the water. Gender plays a key role, with 87% of all drowning victims being male in the 15–19 years age group. As adulthood approaches the number of deaths increase.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Drowning in children aged 5 to 19 years is a significant issue that has been largely neglected in Australia. Royal Life Saving believes that these drowning deaths are preventable and that the increase in drowning deaths in late adolescents points to the importance of swimming and water safety education during the school years.
Design strategies to mitigate the hazard of button cell battery electrical burn injuries
Authors: Rider G , Altkorn R , Stool D , Chen X , Milkovich S
Published: October 2012

Background

Children's exposure to button cell batteries is increasing with the greater number of toys and other consumer products requiring their use. Children frequently mouth objects and may inadvertently swallow them. Ingestion of batteries or insertion into the nasal passages or external auditory canals may lead to serious injury resulting from burns caused by electric discharge.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

A variety of hazard mitigation strategies may be utilised to reduce the potential for these injuries, including decreasing accessibility of the batteries or redesign of the batteries themselves. Hazard mitigation strategies are discussed and evaluation methods presented.

Methods

Data on battery injuries is reviewed and various existing reduced hazard battery modalities are identified. Methods of assessing hazard are discussed. Comparative potential release of current between battery/housing designs has been measured using animal cadaver tissue.

Results/Outcomes

Existing designs of batteries consistently cause burns to animal cadaver tissue of varied severity depending on power and surface contact area.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Although there are problems that remain to be solved in order to economically manufacture button cell batteries and/or housings that have a reduced hazard for electrical burns, this research demonstrates that feasible solutions to this issue are possible.
Coin battery modification to prevent Gastrointestinal injury from current flow
Authors: Eli M Baum , Carl R Baum
Published: October 2012

Background

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that battery-related injuries are increasing as small button or coin batteries become more prevalent in households. Since 1985, severe injuries and fatalities from these batteries have increased sevenfold. Young children and senior adults can swallow batteries, which may become lodged in the oesophagus, allowing electrical current to cause burns and haemorrhage.

Objectives

We propose a modification of a standard coin battery to prevent current flow once removed from the battery compartment of a device.

Methods

A modification of a standard coin battery allows current flow only when the battery compartment depresses a spring-loaded interlock mechanism on the surface of the battery. Once depressed, this mechanism connects the external shell to the sealed internal electrode. When the battery is removed from the compartment, the springloaded mechanism returns to its normal state and disconnects the electrode from the external shell.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

We believe that a modification of standard coin battery design would eliminate current flow outside of the battery compartment, and therefore would limit gastrointestinal injury if swallowed and lodged in the oesophagus.