bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the burden of injuries in Moambique
Authors: Abraham J P , Bhalla K , Bartolomeos K , de Silva C , Zacharias F , Zacharias E
Published: March 2011

In 2002, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study estimated that sub-Saharan Africa had the highest incidence rate of injuries worldwide. Using our established methodology we triangulate a national snapshot for Moambique from multiple data sources (including hospitals, health surveys, death registers, crime reports, etc). We conducted an environmental scan of all existing data sources that can inform estimates of the incidence of fatal and non-fatal injuries. From these, we constructed estimates of the national burden of injuries by harnessing the strength of each source and accounting for biases in data.

Data sources

Estimating fatal injuries:

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Urban mortality data from Maputo City Mortuary (1994–2003)

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Rural mortality surveillance data (verbal autopsy) from Manhia DSS site (1999–2002).

Estimating non-fatal injuries:

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Moambique DHS 2003 Injury Module (2003)

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Maputo Central Hospital data (2001–2002).

Building estimates

The data were mapped to corresponding GBD external cause and nature groupings. When applicable, the data were disaggregated to compute age-sex-injury rates. The rates were then applied to urban and rural population estimates, respectively. Demographic and health surveys data were used to develop national injury envelopes. External cause to nature of injury mappings were developed using the hospital data. Using these methods, it was estimated that there were ∼8556 urban deaths and ∼13 717 rural deaths for a total estimated injury deaths in 2005 of 22 273. The results were then compared with police figures and GBD estimates.
The radio: the tool for violence prevention among youths
Authors: Swomen H E , Onazi O , Valenti M , John I
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Violence is a leading global public health problem and public health strategies had been advocated to address it. Radio is the predominant source of news and information for the African public. Radio may be a source to disseminate suggestions that may advance violence prevention especially in Nigeria.

Objective

To study the impact of using the radio in preventing injuries from violent conflict and to propose effective ways of prevention.

Method

A radio series Bringing Peace to the People on Silverbird Rhythm 93.7 Jos, Nigeria was launched in July 2009 and five youths participants randomly selected from eight areas previously affected by violent conflicts in Jos. The study was based on feedbacks via text messages, phone calls and interviews. Results are presented in simple percentage, frequencies and tables.

Result

75% (n=30) believes that the radio is a means of reducing violent conflicts, 8% (n=3) believe the radio is not a tool in reducing violent conflict, 17% (n=7) are unsure. 75% (n=30) are frequent listeners of radio while 25% (n=10) are not. 18% believe in the possession of guns for self defence, 63% don't agree to possession of guns while 19% aren't sure.

Conclusion

From our results, radio is a useful tool in preventing violent conflict among youths. Listener feedback supports the premise that radio is useful means of violence prevention among youths. ‘Bringing Peace to the People’ is one of the first attempts using radio in Nigeria for beneficial goal of violence prevention.
Analysis of Florida high school athlete's sports injury data for 2008–2009
Authors: Liller K D , Morris B , Konin J , Jang S , Wong S , Thorson S
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To analyze the Florida high school athletes sports injury data for the 2008–2009 academic year and to provide recommendations for further research and practice. The data collected for this study were part of the initiatives of the SMART Institute of the University of South Florida. The surveillance tool is unique in that no other instrument captures the incidence, prevalence, risk factor and exposure information of all sports played by Florida high school athletes.

Methods

Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) hired by SMART and placed in 10 public high schools in west-central Florida collected the athletes injury and treatment data utilizing the Simtrak software template. Data were collected on football, baseball, volleyball, swimming, track, cross-country, flag football, soccer, basketball, golf, wresting, softball, tennis and cheerleading.

Results

Six-hundred injuries were reported by the ATCs. The leading rate of sports-related injury per 1000 athlete-exposures for practices was for football at 3.58, followed by flag football at 2.67 and wrestling at 2.52. For competitions, the leading rate was for football at 19.20, followed by women's soccer at 7.53 and wrestling at 6.59. Flag football emerged as great risk for injury rates in practice and baseball injuries ranked third in frequency. Sprains and strains were the leading physiologic injuries and the leading body sites injured were the ankles, knees and head.

Conclusions

These results allow for the development of targeted injury interventions for these athletes leading to reductions in injuries.
The state of fire safety in industrial buildings in Ghana: a case study of Tema metropolis
Authors: Boakye E , Nyieku I E
Published: March 2011

This research ascertains the state of fire safety measures in industrial buildings in the Tema metropolis of Ghana. In all 12 industries were sampled. The study looked at the design and construction and the type of installations found in these structures and compared it with approved standards. From observations, interviews and questionnaires, the study found out that half of the industrial buildings surveyed with respect to fire safety were below the approved standard set out in BS 5588-1997 for industrial buildings. The major causes of fires in these buildings were electrical and naked flame coming into contact with combustible materials, accumulation of potential combustible fuels, over heating items and haphazard way of handling volatile substances. The study also found that the Ghana National Service does it best in fighting fire outbreaks but is limited in resources and certain impeding factors. The study therefore recommends that designers and contractors communicate with the National Fire Service Department at the design and construction stages of industrial buildings to ensure the incorporation of maximum safety features. Fire safety seminars and drill must also be conducted for occupant and staffs.
Sleepiness, sleep quality and the association with occupational accidents among a medical faculty residents
Authors: Erbaydar N P , Ilingiroglu N , Hekimsoy V , Kalender E , Kurtulan O , Oncul U , Sancio H , Sari I F , Tac Y
Published: March 2011

Aim

Physicians may face occupational accident risk due to sleep problems. The aim of study was the evaluation of association of sleepiness and sleep quality with occupational accidents.

Method

In this descriptive study, data was collected among 312 (53.7%) residents in a medical faculty hospital through a questionnaire to investigate sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, sleepiness mode with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and having an occupational accident.

Results

Average age was 27.95 (SD=2.86) and females constituted 52.6% of residents while 10.6% expressed their general health, 36.6% expressed their mental health as average and lower, 24.9% had diagnosed disease. Of them, 3/4 had night shift and 88.9% had no rest cycle after night shift. Some declared sleep related features were: sufficient sleep period (35.9%), snoring (16.5%), increased sleepiness (29.0%) and decreased sleep quality (60.8%). Of the residents, 26.9% had at least one occupational accident during last month and the most common accident was needlestick (52.5%). According to PSQI 36.5% of residents with low sleep quality, and according to ESS 38.0% of residents with high sleepiness perception had occupational accident during last month (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively), and 48.3% declared that accident was their fault.

Conclusion

Occupational accidents of residents could have serious consequences. Measures are needed to increase sleeping period and sleep quality of residents and decrease sharp object injuries.
Non-intentional suffocation mortality trends in Mexico, 1979–2007
Authors: Baez L , Mendez A , Celis A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

In USA, asphyxia by non-intentional suffocation is the leading cause of fatal injury in children younger than 1 year old and fourth for children aged 1 through 4 years. However, little is known of these causes in Mexico.

Objective

To analyse asphyxia by suffocation mortality trend in Mexico, from 1979 to 2007.

Material and methods

Mortalities and trends were estimated for the study period from Mexicos official data based on the International Classification of Diseases, and included codes E911-E913 (ICD-9) and W75-W80 (ICD-10). Results were analysed by age group, sex and year registered, as well as by state and size of city or town of residence.

Results

From 1979 to 2007 occurred 63 387 deaths by suffocation in Mexico. Through 1980–1997 mortality is around 2/100 000, showing a high increased by 1998, rising approximately 3.5/100 000 until 2004, when a decrease began. Those under 1 year olds show the highest mortality risk. Suffocation mortality was more frequent in male than in females, with a ratio of 3 to 1.

Conclusions

Non-intentional suffocation is a public health problem without attention in Mexico. This cause of death needs more attention, and to be addressed from a scientific point of view to reduces its magnitude.
Epidemiology of burns in children and adolescents in the Burns' Unit of Civil Hospital of Guadalajara
Authors: Orozco-Valerio M , Miranda-Altamirano R A , Mendez-Magaa A C , Davalos-Guzman J C , Celis A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Burns are a problem in public health that occupies the third leading cause of injury in children worldwide.

Objective

Analyse the epidemiology of burns in children and adolescents in the Burns Unit of the Guadalajara Civil Hospital Dr Juan I Menchaca.

Methodology

This research is descriptive. Data were obtained through 118 patient clinical records and interviews with their family members from 1 November 2008 to 31 October 2009. The variables studied were: gender, age, injury mechanism, injury agent, degree of burn, place where it happened, place where first medical care was received and time to first medical care after injury.

Results

Male gender was three times as frequent as female gender in burns patients (70 vs 48), and also suffered the most severe injuries. The largest age group was the 0–2 years old (48.3% of cases). In the majority, the mechanism of injury was non-intentional. The most common agents were hot liquids (55.9%) and fire (28.0%). The most frequent locations were injury occurred was home, mainly in the kitchen. In 11.0% of patients receive their first medical care after 3:00.

Conclusions

The groups at highest risk were children under 3 years old and males; the most frequent burning agent were hot liquids; and the events occurred at home.
Trauma in traffic in Montenegro between 2004 and 2010
Authors: Pejakovic M , Utjesinovic J , Bogdanovic M , Pavlicic R , Tadic N , Knezevic V , Pejakovic V
Published: March 2011

The first car showed up in Montenegro in 1902. There are 177 677 cars in Montenegro. Every third citizen owns a car. The total cost of the damage created by road accidents is estimated to 2% of the GDP, which makes the issue of traffic safety one of the issue with priority.

The aim of this study is to make the trauma in traffic in Montenegro be seen so that the prevention programmes could be created.

Method

Data used was found in police reports in the given period. The data had been analysed, statistically processed and shown in the shape of a graph.

Results

30% of cars is between 10 and 20 years old. About 41 000 cars is between 20 and 30 years old. Only a quarter of cars has the age that is less than 10 years. 12 913 persons were hurt in Montenegro from 2004 to 2010. 9559 (74%) person were slightly injured, 2830 (22%) were seriously injured and there were 524 (4%) of those who were dead. Average number of injured persons in road traffic accidents is 2152 per year. Death rate (deaths/100 000 persons) is 14/100 000 persons from given period. The drivers consist 46% (239) of cases of the total number of those killed. Co-drivers consist about 34% (177) and pedestrians consist about 20% of the cases (108).

Conclusion

By identifying the main sources of traffic accidents and applying all activities of prevention we can decrease the consequences of the things mentioned above.
Paediatric burn injuries: a hospital based study in Uganda
Authors: Nakitto M , Lett R
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Burns are one of the most devastating household injury. In Uganda, burn injuries account for 11% of all childhood injuries. The study objective was to determine demographic characteristics, severity, first aid treatment and outcomes of childhood burns in Uganda.

Methods

Secondary analysis of hospital surveillance data from five representative regional hospitals was done. Data were collected over 12 months (August 2004 to July 2005). Individuals (0–16 years) were included over a 12 months period. A registry form was filled by trained health workers at emergency units. Frequency analysis was done.

Results

380 children were included with the central region registered more patients (44%). Five and under patients constituted 45%. Ratio of male to female was 1.3:1. Over 50% of patients had a serious injury. 88% of the children burned in their own homes in spite of a adult presence (83%). Majority of the children (54%) were burned while playing. 16% of burn injuries were reported intentional. Scalding by hot fluids (73%) was the common cause of burn injury. Over 50% of the patients were reported with serious injuries on upper extremities. Over 70% of children were given incorrect first aid treatment at home while others received none. 55.8% patients were discharged home by 2 weeks.

Discussion and Conclusions

Burn injuries mainly affects children 5 years and under. Home-based prevention can reduce burn injuries in that age group. The intent behind burn injuries requires further investigation.
X59: Redistribution using linked data and the impact on YLL calculations
Authors: Gabbe B J , Lyons R A
Published: March 2011

Background

The ICD-10 X59 cause code (unspecified) is prevalent in mortality datasets. The GBD project proportionally redistributes X59 deaths by age and gender for calculation of years of life lost (YLL) but the validity of the method has been questioned.

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of X59 coding of deaths and the impact on YLL estimates using different redistribution methods.

Methods

Registered deaths in Wales (2003–2007) with an ICD-10 injury cause code were included. Data were linked to hospital admissions if the place of death was a hospital. Three redistribution methods were studied: (i) GBD project method, (ii) Proportional redistribution based on the nature of injury and (iii) Proportional redistribution based on the specified causes for X59 cases from linked data. YLLs were calculated for each method.

Results

24% (n=944) of unintentional deaths were coded as X59. 92% involved deaths in people aged 70+ years. Most involved proximal femur fractures and subdural haematomas. A linked admission was available for 99% of eligible cases (n=797). The cause of death was specified for 546 cases. Falls were predominant.

Conclusions

The proportion of YLLs attributed to cause categories across the methods was comparable because of the age discounting in the YLL formula. There were differences in the proportion of deaths attributed to cause categories with redistribution using the nature of injury or linked data resulting in the majority of X59 cases redistributed to falls, while the GBD method resulted in greater redistribution of X59 cases to transport injury.
The Provincial Injury Mortality Surveillance System (PIMSS): a surveillance tool for the Western Cape
Authors: Matzopoulos R , Martin L J , Wadee S , Thomson V , Prinsloo M , Bourne D , Groenewald P , Naledi N , Myers J
Published: March 2011

Mortuary-based surveillance typically collates information from three sources: postmortem reports completed by forensic pathologists, police crime incident reports and chemical pathology laboratory results. The data are an important tool to inform prevention efforts and to monitor their effectiveness, and represent an underutilised source of descriptive epidemiological information to inform our understanding of fatal violence patterns, risk factors and groups at-risk.

Following on earlier South African mortality surveillance initiatives, the current system provides a robust and simple surveillance tool that provides data that is congruent with, yet avoids the rigid confines of, the ICD10 coding system. We describe the process of consultation between participating research agencies to refine the data collection instrument, manual and automated data collection procedures and the systems institutionalisation with provincial government. The first complete non-natural mortality data for the Western Cape Province for 2007 will be presented, as well as the expected utility of these data in directing, monitoring and evaluating interventions to reduce the provincial burden of injury. The surveillance system has become a focal point of the Provincial Governments injury prevention and safety promotion efforts relating to its Burden of Disease Project. One important innovation has been the inclusion of an optional special interest variable describing fatal events that are either not readily available from ICD and other coding systems or difficult to record and analyse due to complex coding requirements. We explore the limitations of the current system and its possible improvement in line with best practices internationally.
Injuries associated with motion-sensing electronic game consoles: data from 2007 to 2008
Authors: Jones C , Hammig B , Henry J
Published: March 2011

Computer games and software represent a 10 billion dollar market annually. Approximately 65% of Americans have engaged in gaming systems in 2008. With use comes the issue of misuse or abuse of the systems that could lead to injury. As the game systems become more popular and extend the features to include more physical movement, will there be a rise in injuries and morbidity? One popular form of game system uses motion-sensing technology to mimic physical movement. The purpose of this study is to review recent statistics on injuries related to electronic gaming systems and highlight opportunities for health educators to promote safe use of the systems. Methods included obtaining data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for product code 0557 for the year 2008. Results indicate that injuries from electronic gaming systems increased by almost 214% from 2007 to 2008 going from 21 to 45 injuries. The mean age for injury was 15 and an equal risk for gender. Most injuries involved the Head/Neck region, Hand/Finger or the Arm. The major cause of the injury was due to overuse of the game system or being hit by the game system remote. Opportunities for education involve information on the risk for injury from extended use as well as establishing a play area that provides plenty of room to move. Continued surveillance is recommended to determine the trend for injury as the game systems become more popular.
International trauma training: teaching and evaluating physicians in a cross cultural setting
Authors: Sisley A , Marcolini E , El Shinawi M , McCunn M , El-Setouhy M , Scalea T , Hirshon J M
Published: March 2011

Background

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Training and evaluation of physicians trauma skills and knowledge is more difficult in cross cultural settings due to language and educational custom barriers.

Methods

Over 18 months, 124 Egyptian physicians participated in a U.S./Egypt jointly developed 5 day training course taught in English, teaching assessment and management of trauma patients Sequential Trauma Education Programs. Participants were evaluated with four Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCE) composed of critical and noncritical elements and multiple choice examination (MC). Performance on the two testing modalities was compared. Students completed a post course survey evaluating the course.

Results

Of the 124 participants, 110 (88.7%) scored >70% on the MC. Of 115 participants with complete OSCE, 67 (58.3%) passed all critical OSCE components on first attempt. Overall correlation coefficient for the total scores on all four OSCEs and the complete MC was r=0.18. Using a Likert scale survey respondents (N=116) scored the OSCE higher than the MC in terms of usefulness in helping them learn the material (9.1 vs 8.3, p<0.001), accurately testing skills and knowledge (8.3 vs 7.7, p<0.005). 114 respondents, 57 preferred OSCEs, 9 preferred MC and 48 had no preference.

Conclusions

Poor correlation between OSCE and MC scores indicates that standard using a multiple choice exam may inadequately assess students in a cross cultural setting. Consideration must be given to alternate evaluation tools to optimise training.
Specialised justice responses to domestic violence cases
Authors: Gill C
Published: March 2011

One innovative justice system response, since the beginning of the nineties, has been the development of specialised domestic violence courts in different countries. These new mechanisms for dealing with cases of intimate partner violence addressed many of the identified problems of non-specialised processes, such as improved victim services and programs for abusers, greater collaboration between family and criminal matters, and an array of new law enforcement policies and legislation, such as pro-arrest policies and domestic violence legislation. In Canada, different provincial and territorial jurisdictions have implemented specialised domestic violence courts. However, emerging research raises critical questions on the role of courts in society. Judges, defence attorneys, prosecutors and victim advocates, while expressing support for a specialised domestic violence court model, are still concerned about issues of victim safety, the safety of children, and offender recidivism. In 2007, experts from the Canadian observatory on the justice systems response to intimate partner violence, commenced the groundwork to fully understand the process and the effectiveness of specialised domestic violence courts. In this presentation, we will discuss specialised justice responses to domestic violence cases versus non specialised responses in Canada. This will lead to talk about the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders in order to establish proper data collection about offenders and victims of intimate partner violence entering in the justice system. It will be an opportunity to discuss the research agenda of the Canadian observatory.
Safe Baby university
Authors: Rosenthal K , Smith S J , Moss J , Schwenn R , Davis R , Cain-Martin L
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Unsafe sleep is the number one killer of children from 1 month to 1 year of age. In Wayne County, infants are at high risk for death due to unsafe sleep. Detroit has the highest infant mortality in Michigan.

Methods

Safe Baby university addresses the lack of knowledge that parents/caregivers have regarding unsafe sleep and other top causes of injury and death for infants, including child passenger safety, nutrition, fire/burn and preventing shaken baby. Participants learn safe sleep practices including risk factors for unsafe sleep, the correct installation/proper use of child restraints, how to mix formula correctly, discussions about what to do when your baby will not stop crying and how to assess home for fire and burn hazards. Skill stations are used for teaching. Additionally, if their home needs smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, families sign-up to have them installed free of charge (CDC SAIFE grant). At the conclusion of the class, families receive one free car seat or pack'n play.

Results

The pretest is composed of 18 questions; seven personal information questions, six questions based on the injury prevention topics, with five specifically related to safe sleep. The post-test is comprised of 19 questions. The pretest average score was 77%. The post test average score was 90.9%. Showing an overall increase of 18%. The increase in post-test score is statistically significant using a CI of 95% we obtained z-score of 2.29.
The safety of Nigerian roads
Authors: Osawe E , Osawe G
Published: March 2011

The paper attempts to look into the causes of road crashes leading to deaths on African roads with Nigeria, Bode Saadu road as a case study. It falls along the major highway linking the Southern Seaports with the Northern part of the country. It has been listed as one of the 23 most dangerous roads in the world. The paper also enumerates causes of crashes in the country. It also looks at the establishment of the Federal Road Safety Corps as the Federal Government lead agency and its proffered solution and resolve to reduce the occurrence of road traffic crashes and its severity through the use of the 6Es intervention strategies approach. The road factor remains an important issue in road safety in Nigeria.

Environmental

This study shows that the roads are in a state of disrepair with rough and undulating surfaces, bridges require maintenance, dangerous spots, Traffic on the roads far exceeds the original designs.

Mechanical

The roads are dotted with broken down heavy duty vehicles without warning sign, use of expired tyres etc.

Human

It was shown that human factor determines violations which are causes of crashes. The proper licensing of drivers and vehicles is a key to safety and security. It is expected that with the solution proffered about 13% reduction in crashes casualties can be achieved. FRSC has a 6-point approach to the problem called 6Es: Engineering, Enlightenment, Environment, Education, Enforcement, Evaluation: Methodology of study entails the administration of questionnaires, diagnostic interview and data analysis.
The economic burden of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ecuador: setting the agenda for future research and violence prevention policies
Authors: Roldos M I , Corso P
Published: March 2011

Cost-of-illness (COI) analyses quantify the (direct) medical and non-medical expenditures associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries and the (indirect) value of lost productivity. This study is the first COI for IPV in Ecuador. We used the only population-based survey of violence, public databases from the Ministries of Health, State and Finance, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census and non-for profit databases to estimate medical and out-of-pocket health expenditures, legal and community responses and paid and unpaid work losses. The results suggest that for 255 267 IPV victims in 2004 the total costs were $181 990 852 (US$). Lost productivity accounted for $137 988 425 million; the marginal increase of cost to treat an IPV injury plus victims out-pocket health expenses was $42 554 768 million. Finally, legal services was an additional $1 447 659 million. Although substantial, these results significantly underestimate the real costs of IPV. Limitations to Ecuadors COI estimation are as follows: (1) Less than 3% of IPV victims seek any help after an episode of violence, (2) No data exist on the real costs of public health expenditures for IPV injuries, (3) Legal costs available represent staff salaries and (4) Prevalence data on IPV are only available for married women in their reproductive years. Despite these limitations, COI analyses are extremely useful as they highlight the economic impact of IPV on businesses, the government, and individuals.
Bringing peace education to youth via independent radio in Nigeria
Authors: Onazi O , Valenti M , Swomen H E , John I
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Radio, the major source of news and information in Nigeria, is largely controlled by the state. Broadcasting objective content, and supporting independent radio stations, is warranted. Medical student members of the Nigerian affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War were inspired to bring information about health approaches to violence prevention to radio listeners who had endured periodic ethno-religious and political violence in Jos.

Objectives

To use the pilot program Bringing Peace to the People on the independent Silverbird Rhythm 93.7 to conduct a preliminary assessment of listener response to a radio peace initiative.

Materials and Methods

The program included interactive sessions by health professionals who presented evidence-based information and answered questions on such topics: Small Arms, Violence and Public Health; and Youth, Violence and Health. A sample of 25 listeners comments was used to assess public response, received via text messaging and telephones.

Results

92% (n=23) had a better understanding about violence prevention as a result of the program; 84% (n=21) commended it; 4% (n=1) suggested auditioning of presenters; 8% (n=2) stated the need for more hands in the pursuit of peace; 4% (n=1) believed the older people should be enlisted in peace efforts. Three youth groups indicated a strong interest in partnership.

Discussion and Conclusion

Initial responses encouraged the authors to continue to develop additional programs on violence prevention. However, integration of regular station-sponsored radio programs supported by advertisements will enhance long-term sustainability of such endeavours.
Improving the development of an effective beach safety intervention through an observational study of risky beach behaviour
Authors: Williamson A , Hatfield J , Sherker S , Brander R , Hayen A
Published: March 2011

Beach safety is determined largely by the choices people make about where they will swim: it is safest to swim in areas that are patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers, and swimming outside these areas is risky. Our previous research demonstrated that while most NSW beachgoers are aware of this, a significant proportion report swimming outside patrolled areas. This study examined the reasons for beachgoers choosing to swim in safe or risky areas on beaches in the Sydney region. Beachgoers observed swimming in a patrolled area, an unpatrolled area with no rip current, or an unpatrolled area near a rip current were approached and invited to answer questions about their choice to swim in that area of the beach. Over 1000 people were interviewed over two weekends in summer, 2009. The results of the interviews showed that swimming choice was directed primarily by convenience; beachgoers chose the closest area to swim, even though they were aware that the patrolled area was safer. Swimmers observed swimming in risky locations showed the least knowledge of rips. Swimmers in risky locations were also more likely to be younger, to not live near the beach and swim regularly and to be less aware of other beach hazards. The study indicates that a specific intervention would be worthwhile for beachgoers who swim outside patrolled areas and further, the study defines who should be targeted to be most effective.
A historical perspective on sobriety checkpoints in Thailand: is there evidence for effectiveness?
Authors: Ditsuwan V , Veerman L , Bertram M , Vos T
Published: March 2011

This review describes the legal basis for, and implementation of sobriety checkpoints in Thailand and identifies factors that influenced their effectiveness. The first alcohol and traffic injury control law in Thailand was implemented in 1934. The 0.05g/100 ml blood alcohol concentration limit was set in 1994. Currently three types of sobriety checkpoints are used: general police checkpoints, selective breath testing, and special event sobriety checkpoints. We found few reports on the strategies, frequencies, and outcomes for any these type of checkpoint, despite Thailand having devoted many resources to implementation. In Thailand or other low-middle income countries, it is necessary to address the country-specific barriers to successful enforcement (including political and logistical issues, lack of equipment and absence of other supportive alcohol harm reduction measures) before sobriety checkpoints can be expected to be as effective as reported in high-income countries.
Linking trauma registry injury data with national injury compensation data – opportunities for public health action in New Zealand
Authors: Kool B , Jackson C , Civil I , Dansey R , Ameratunga S
Published: March 2011

Background

Trauma registries can play a key role in quality assurance and planning of trauma care. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and utility of linking data from a trauma registry to the national injury compensation scheme to estimate the impact of major trauma beyond the hospitalisation.

Methods

Using a deterministic linkage approach that included the unique national master patient index number, trauma registry data from adult patients admitted for acute care to Auckland City Hospital over a 22 month period (1 April 2006 to 31 January 2008) was linked to Accident Compensation Corporation data. Descriptive analysis investigated the quality, potential biases and the utility of this approach to achieve the study aims.

Results

A successful link was achieved for 72.4% (n=1520/2099) of trauma patients meeting the study criteria. Factors affecting the success of linkage included: ethnicity, TRISS scores, admission duration, and survival to discharge. Eighty-three percent of patients with linked data had returned to work within 12 months of injury. Those most likely to receive compensated time off work included machinery operators/drivers, and those injured due to land transport accidents. Cases least likely to have returned to work at 3 months were labourers, those injured in land transport incidents, and cases with ISS >15.

Conclusions

High quality, robust data linkage that, in the future, also includes probabilistic approaches, have the potential to inform priority setting in injury prevention, and aid in evaluating the quality and effectiveness of acute trauma care and rehabilitation services.
Health status of workers of the mining industry Erdenet in Mongolia
Authors: Otgon G
Published: March 2011

Aim

The aim of our research work is to examine the respiratory system of the workers in the mining industry Erdenet of Mongolia.

Objectives

To prepare FAQ for revealing respiratory diseases. To determine the lung expiratory volumes by Spiro meters.

Methods

We conducted a survey about FAQ of the respiratory tract using a modified questionnaire of European countries. Respiratory volume was revealed by common method, Spiro meters.

Results

A survey was conducted among 1016 people, aged 20–59 (average 38.3+0.24) and they have worked from 1 year to 45 years in the mining industry. 18% of them have worked 1–5 years, 20.1% - 6–10 years, 23.5% - 11–15 years, 10.4% - 16–20 years, 24.1% - 21–25 years, 6% - more than 26 years. We revealed symptom of cough and taxypnoe among workers who have worked there for 5–10 years by questionnaire. By Spirometer 43 people diagnosed with asthma, 76 people with bronchitis. 11% of the people had asthma after working for 20–25 years, 4.8% - 26–30 years, 16.7% - 31–35 years, 38.1% - 36–40 years, 21.4% - 41–45 years, 7.1% - more than 45 years. More frequency of bronchitis was revealed among workers who worked more than 10 years.

Conclusion

We observed that the most frequently diseases among the workers are bronchitis and asthma. They usually have bronchitis after working 10 years, asthma after working 30 years.
Road safety
Authors: Zavareh D K , Bigdeli M , Mohammadi R , Khaneh H R , Laflamme L , Bikmoradi A , Haglund B J A
Published: March 2011

Background

Road traffic injuries are a major public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Postcrash management can play a significant role in minimising crash consequences and saving lives. Iran has one of the highest mortalities from road traffic injuries in the world. The present study attempts to fill the knowledge gap and explores stakeholders' perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of effective postcrash management in Iranian regions.

Methods

Thirty-six semistructured interviews were conducted with medical services personnel, police officers, members of Red Crescent, firefighters, public-health professionals, road administrators; some road users and traffic injury victims. A qualitative approach using grounded theory method was employed to analyze the material gathered.

Results

The core variable was identified as “poor quality of post crash management”. Barriers to effective postcrash management were identified as: involvement of laypeople, lack of coordination, inadequate prehospital services, shortcomings in infrastructure. Suggestions for laypeople included: (1) a public education campaign in first aid, the role of the emergency services, cooperation of the public at the crash site, and (2) target-group training for professional drivers, police officers and volunteers involved at the crash scene. An integrated trauma system and infrastructure improvement also is crucial to be considered for effective postcrash management.

Conclusion

To sum up, it seems that the involvement of laypeople could be a key factor in making postcrash management more effective. But system improvements are also crucial, including the integration of the trauma system and its development in terms of human resources (staffing and training) and physical resources as well as the infrastructure development.
Forensic sexological exam in children and adolescents: challenges of a practice
Authors: e Silva M C Maia , De Lima Arajo A , Souza L F Santos , de Souza S L Barbosa , De Brito A M
Published: March 2011

In order to analyze cases of sexual violence, the physical and behavioural signs of which very often go unperceived, 2031 forensic sexology reports at the Institute of Forensic Medicine (city of Recife, northeastern Brazil) on 1144 children and adolescents in 2005 were analyzed. The type of crime for which the exam was requested, forensic evidence and characteristics of the victims and aggressors are presented. Eighty-five per cent of the victims examined were females. Sexual aggression, rape and seduction predominated in 13.4%, 28.6% and 66.7% of the cases, respectively. Exams for venereal disease were only solicited for 16 victims and were confirmed in six cases. There were differences in exam positivity per type of crime according to age and gender. The main aggressors were neighbour/friend, boyfriend/companion and father. Psychological harm was not was not investigated. The low degree of exam positivity for forensic clarification speaks to the need to adopt protocols and interviewing techniques in order to gain a better recognition of such cases, thereby avoiding re-victimisation and impunity.
Determinants of motorcycle helmet use among recent graduates of a motorcycle training course
Authors: Ranney M L , Mello M J , Chai P S , Baird J , Clark M A
Published: March 2011

Background

Helmets significantly decrease morbidity and mortality from motorcycle crashes. Many areas of the world lack universal helmet laws. To educate motorcyclists in areas without helmet laws, more knowledge of motorcyclists belief systems are needed.

Methods

A 29-question, web-based survey was designed to assess motorcyclists attitudes, norms and behaviours towards helmets in a state with a limited helmet law. Survey invitations were mailed to 2006–2008 registrants for the states required motorcycle safety course.

Results

414 surveys were completed; 68.4% of respondents reported always wearing a helmet. Compared with always-helmeted (AH), non-helmeted (NH) respondents were more likely to be male, less educated and reporting previous crashes. The strongest correlates of being NH (vs AH) were attitudes that helmets were not protective (6.7% vs 0.4%, p<0.001) and impaired sight/hearing (45.2% vs 3.8%, p<0.001); and normative beliefs that they'd only wear helmets if forced by law (43.9% vs 7.1%, p<0.001). Both groups felt crashes were serious and unavoidable. Overall, helmet use correlated more closely with attitudes than with norms.

Conclusions

Among respondents to this web-based survey, attitudes – especially whether helmets protect from injury and impair sight/hearing – were strong correlates of motorcycle helmet use. Because attitudes are often more easily changed than norms, education may increase helmet use. However, legislation may be a more efficient route, as 44% of non-helmeted said they would only wear a helmet if forced by law.
Traditional postdrowning rescue methods applied in Rural Bangladesh using 10 year verbal autopsy data
Authors: Borse N N , Hyder A A
Published: March 2011

Children aged 1 to 4 years in Bangladesh are at the greatest risk of drowning. From the qualitative research, rural communities reported traditional postdrowning rescue methods.

Objective

The overall purpose of this study was to assess the postdrowning traditional rescue methods performed on the drowned child in Bangladesh.

Methods

In Matlab surveillance, village health workers collected unstructured verbal autopsy death forms for childhood drowning. These forms were translated and data were extracted into Microsoft Access. Data were analyzed using bi- and multi-variate to understand postimmersion rescue attempts performed on the drowned child.

Results

There were total 489 children under age 5 years who died due to drowning from 1996 to 2005. Based on pilot analysis, only 4% of the time cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was attempted by the families. Spinning the child, applying pressure and messaging with oil/ash are the most common traditional practices utilised by the community. The odd of drowned boy taken to the medical doctors was significantly more than for the drowned girl. Girl was more likely to be tried with traditional rescue methods and or village health practitioner. Mothers education and household income showed positive effect on medical care seeking.

Discussion

Dependency of traditional rescue measures is highly prevalent in rural community. First rescue attempt performed on the drowned child is very decisive as the first few minutes are very critical. The community intervention can be designed to educate communities on the rescue methods and provide CPR training to family members.
Analysis of school based student injury surveillance project in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Z , Bitao Y , Tao L , Wu X , Dong G , Liu X
Published: March 2011

Objective

To explore the characteristic of student injury in school, so as to provide scientific prevention strategy for student injury.

Methods

There were 20 school injury surveillance points chosen by cluster sampling in six districts of Shenzhen. The surveillance data were collected by school physician using injury report form, and send to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 1 September 2006 to 31 August 2009.

Results

During the three school years, there were 765 student injuries, 629 boys and 136 girls. Fall was the first injury type of student. The frequent body regions involved in student injuries was up limb (43.7%), lower limb (25.9%) and head (25.4%). Cut, bite, open wound (32.0%) and fracture (30.7%) were the most injury consequence, and the majority location of student injury occurred in school (73.9%). Almost student injuries were moderate and minor, and half of the medical cost was 101–500 RMB. The student injury was significant difference among school types, injury locations and body parts.

Conclusion

The student injury surveillance based on school is good way to learn the natures of student injuries. Prevention strategies can be made according to these natures to reduce the student injuries in Shenzhen in the future.
Occupational accidents and injury: comprehensive social support for post-trauma management of victims
Authors: Bagali M M
Published: March 2011

The rise and growth of modern industries with much complicated industrial system has given rise to several labour problems in Asia and more so in India. Infact, the sudden impact of industrial revolution leading to rapid industrialisation had a bad effect on Industrial workers, health, safety and safe living. Predominant been the occupational accidents and the resultant injuries. The losses incurred by all sections of labour society are severe and to the large extent, the family members of the effected ones. The after-math psychosocial burden faced and the trauma undergone is sign of caution to all those thinkers who believe in social welfare of the community population. Because, when the accident occurs, the financial compensation is paid easily as per the legislation requirements. The stress, strain and burden undergone leaves the victim in total disarray, and cases probed in the present study revealed suicidal attempts due to lack of social support program and safe community interventions. The enquiry was done at three stages: (1) to know the level of Dysfunction suffered by using apt valid parametric tool; (2) to assess the psycho-social burden undergone; and (3) to know the role of SCPSW in psycho-social rehabilitation and social support program including Safe Community initiatives. The end results of the study proposes a strong need for providing Safe living, and a paradigm shift towards SCPSW. The intervention of SCPSW was felt very much because the role of SCPSW during the crises days is immense.
Eating patterns and aggressive behaviour of schoolchildren in Morocco
Authors: Soualem A , Ahami A , Aboussaleh Y
Published: March 2011

This epidemiological study was realised to investigate the determinants of schoolchilden eating behaviour. One regional and two local school samples were selected in the province of Kenitra North Western of Morocco among schoolchildren aged 8–16 years.

Methods

The main variables of interest were based on two types of evaluations. The first set is a psychological, behavioural and cognitive one. The second was based on anthropometric measurement (weight and size), a 24 h food recall, measurement of blood pressure and haemoglobin, serum ferritin and serum iron levels.

Results

Anthropometric information revealed in the regional sample 9.7% of overweight and 18% of underweight. A stunting prevalence was 17%. This study also revealed that 23.6% of children have attention deficit, 20% hyperactivity disorder and 10.6% reading or writing disorder. The local study revealed that 19.1% of schoolchildren were aggressive. This aggressive behaviour is related to reading and writing disorders and low academic performance. Food consumption pattern promotes the use of sweets in the street.

Conclusion

Eating behaviour is modulated by cognitive, psychological, behavioural and nutritional factors. It appears that some eating disorders can be an issue of emotional disturbances in children and adults. These disorders caused by stressful emotionally troubled environment or mood disturbance. A cognitive deficits in particular caused by iron deficiency increase risk for disturbance balance leading to problems of environmental maladjustment.