bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence of childhood injury following an ‘Inland Tsunami’: the experience of Toowoomba
Authors: Melissa Kaltner 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIn January of 2011, the area of Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley in Queensland, Australia, experienced unprecedented flash flooding. Witness descriptions of a ‘wall’ of water reported to be up to 7 m (7.65 yards) in height led to the term ‘inland tsunami’ being adopted to describe the natural disaster. A large body of evidence highlights the negative psychosocial impact of natural disaster exposure, which has been hypothesised to increase the incidence of both intentional and unintentional childhood injury. Limited evidence suggests peaks in child injury following natural disasters, however further research is necessary to confirm these observations in varied natural disaster contexts.AimsThe study outlined in this presentation examined physical injury incidence in Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley resident children during 12 month periods pre- and post-flash flooding to examine the association between natural disaster and child injury incidence.MethodsRetrospective review of discharge records from two 12-month periods at Toowoomba Base Hospital was utilised to ascertain the incidence of physical injury in Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley resident children aged 0–14 years pre- and post-flash flooding. Differentiation of abusive, accidental and undetermined intent mechanisms of injury was made through ICD coding.ResultsIncidence was calculated for each period using a denominator of child population numbers in the geographic area, and a numerator of injury occurrence for each injury type in the 12-month periods pre- and post-natural disaster occurrence. Rates ratios were then used to examine change in incidence for each injury mechanism between pre- and post-flash flood periods.Contribution to the FieldThis study provides evidence of increased accidental and inflicted child injury rates following the occurrence of natural disaster, supporting previous international examinations. The study findings highlight areas for injury prevention need to reduce injury burden in children following natural disaster experience.
The effectiveness of a school-based European injury prevention programme on adolescent risk behaviour in a South African setting
Authors: Najuwa Arendse , Samed Bulbulia , Ashley van Niekerk , Seedat Mohamed 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundUnintentional injuries are identified as a major health concern among adolescents. The one factor that can contribute significantly to their increased rates of injury is their risk taking behaviour. Evidence shows that certain education based strategies in schools can promote safer behaviours, though it is unclear whether any changes are sustained. The current study formed part of a European-based educational programme that was implemented in a low-income South African context to help improve adolescents' attitudes and knowledge about injuries.AimTo assess changes in grade 11 high school learners' injury prevention knowledge and attitudes, after exposure to a comprehensive educational programme on the European Code Against Injuries (ECAI).MethodsA randomised pre-test and post-test design was used to evaluate the outcome of an injury prevention educational programme shown to grade 11 adolescents living in a low-income community in South Africa. There were 56 participants in the control and 57 participants received the intervention. Pre- and post-level assessment took place before and after the intervention. The instrument covered knowledge and attitudes associated with self-reported potentially harmful and protective behaviours with regards to injury. Both descriptive and bi-variate analysis was undertaken.ResultsAdolescents that received the ECAI programme did show some improvements in knowledge when pre- and post-measures were compared, however, it was found not to be statistically significant.Significance to the FieldThese findings suggest that the multimedia approach did not significantly improve adolescents' knowledge and attitudes about injuries. Future studies should consider a contextually congruent curriculum that examines injury prevention within low-income settings. Reinforcement of these injury prevention messages at regular intervals may contribute to a significant shift in learners' knowledge and attitude about safety promotion.
Increases in best practice child restraint use among children aged 2–5 years in low socioeconomic areas after introduction of mandatory child restraint laws in NSW Australia
Authors: Brown J , Keay L , Hunter K , Bilston L , Simpson J , Ivers R 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIn 2009 the Australian Road Rules were modified to specify use of age-appropriate restraints for children up to 7 years. Implementation of the new laws was expected to increase optimal restraint use, but international studies have reported little or no effect of legislation in low income and minority groups.Aims/Objectives/PurposeTo compare restraint practices in children aged 2–5 years in low socioeconomic areas of NSW before and after introduction of legislation specifying age-appropriate restraint use.MethodsDirect observations of children aged 2–5 years at sites within low socioeconomic areas were used to assess restraint practices. A pre-legislation sample was drawn from a 2008 cross-sectional observation survey (n=106) and post-legislation data were collected in 2010 from control sites in a cluster randomised trial (n=360). Logistic regression was used to compare restraint practices adjusting for variations in demographic distributions between the samples.Results/OutcomeAge-appropriate restraint use increased from 41% to 73%, and correct use from 34% to 47% in the post-legislation sample. After controlling for child's age, parental education, income and language spoken at home, the odds of children in the post-legislation sample being appropriately restrained were 2.2 times greater (95% CI 1.4 to 3.6) and the odds of them being correctly restrained were 1.6 times greater (95% CI 1.0 to 2.7) than children in the pre-legislation sample.Significance/Contribution to the FieldWhile there appears to have been an improvement in child restraint practices in low income populations following implementation of laws mandating age-appropriate restraint, the results indicate a need for further interventions to increase the number of children optimally restrained.
Unintentional injuries and the home environment: a qualitative study
Authors: Ablewhite J , Kendrick D , Watson M , Shaw I 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundChildhood unintentional injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the UK.AimsTo gain an understanding of parental perceptions of child unintentional injury risks, safety practices including parental supervision and implementation of safety information/advice. To explore reasons for inequalities in unintentional injury rates in children aged 0–4 years.MethodsQualitative interviews with parents of a child aged 0–4 years; 16 with mothers living in an area of socio-economic disadvantage and 21 with mothers living in an area of relative affluence. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsLow income mothers living in disadvantaged areas are not less aware of child home injury risks. Some parents perceive the risk of child injury based on their own experiences with their child rather than describing child injury risks with a more general awareness. Parents from both groups perceive a difference between ‘acceptable’ versus ‘unacceptable’ unintentional injuries. Parents do not seek to prevent ‘acceptable’ unintentional injuries. Listening is used as a supervision strategy for boys more than girls. Older children as supervisors of siblings are perceived differently by parents from different social groups. Parents living in circumstances of socio-economic disadvantage face greater barriers to adapting their homes. Parents living in disadvantaged areas describe a fear of talking to professionals due to a fear of the consequences.Contribution to the FieldFew qualitative studies have investigated childhood unintentional injury by exploring differences between parents living in different socio-economic groups, in order to generate explanations for differential injury rates.
Childhood injury prevention through community-based participatory research: a multidimensional approach in the love and safety Omura study in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Kimiko Deguchi , Mikiko Oono , Koji Kitamura , Yoshifumi Nishida 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundIn Japan the leading cause of death of 1–19 years is unintentional injuries. However, people's awareness of the issue and its preventability remain low.PurposeTo implement a community-based injury prevention programme which citizens, educators, engineers, manufacturers and policy makers work together, recognising one another's strengths.MethodsIn Omura, Nagasaki, we conducted a community-based participatory research project, named ‘Love & Safety Omura Study’. We worked with Nagasaki Medical Center and the fire department to collect injury data and identify the causes and characteristics of childhood injury in Omura.ResultsNinety-nine children's injury cases were identified. The number one cause of injury was falls followed by bicycle-related injuries, car crashes, and collisions. Bicycles were most often involved in childhood injuries. Agricultural machinery and two-wheeled carts were also related to injuries, reflecting the regional characteristics of Omura. We developed digital content based on the results of data analysis and presented it at a workshop for citizens. Effectiveness of the workshop was evaluated by questionnaires.Workshop EvaluationOnly 65% of the respondents were aware that unintentional injury is the number one cause of death in children before attending the workshop. All 94% of the respondents believed that injuries are preventable after attending the workshop, and they successfully indicated preventive actions such as buying childproofing products, pulling the plug on a bathtab, and replacing the rubber seal for a hot water pot, which were introduced in the developed DVD.ConclusionA collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is key to effective community-based injury prevention.
Parental influence on adolescent risk behaviours: a strategy to empower parents
Authors: Groff P , Morrish J , Smith V 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundAdolescence is a developmental period marked by a rise in risk-taking, injury and mortality rates. Mortality rates increase by 200% during this developmental period. This rise has been related to adolescents' increased involvement in maladaptive risk-taking (eg, risky driving). Research highlights the importance of teenagers' parents in the risk decisions they make.Aims/Objectives/PurposeIn order to deepen the understanding of parental influence on risk-taking, Parachute, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, conducted an in-depth study and has begun developing parent programming.MethodsAn extensive literature review revealed that parents have more influence than they may be aware of. A Canada-wide survey was conducted on 300 parents (76 males, 224 females) and their 300 teenagers (150 males, 148 females) to test the theories emerging from the literature review. Parent and child responses to these surveys were compared using paired-samples t tests and regression analyses.Results/OutcomeAnalyses demonstrated significant relationships between parental variables and levels of parental influence. In fact, regression analyses revealed that a child's perception of their parent's risk-taking behaviours significantly predicted 30% of the variability in their risk-taking frequencies.Significance/Contribution to the FieldOverall, it was found that Canadian parents have a great deal of influence over their children's risk-taking, through their behaviours and home environments. These results support the need to work with parents around their influence over their teens' behaviours. Parachute has begun developing parent programming to engage and empower parents around becoming the most positive influence possible, aiding in the long-term reduction of injuries and deaths.
Assessing fathers' attitudes towards protecting children from injuries and engaging in physical risks
Authors: Lise Olsen , Mariana Brussoni , Takuro Ishikawa , Louise Mâsse 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundWhile most child injury prevention research has focused on mothers, research suggests fathers also play an important role. In a recent study, fathers described how they constantly balanced efforts to expose their children to new and potentially risky situations with needs to protect children from injury.AimTo develop and validate an instrument that measures fathers' attitudes and practices towards promoting risk engagement for their children and towards protective strategies to reduce injury risk.MethodsWe developed a survey instrument for testing with 300 fathers of children ages 6–12 years accessing services at a Canadian paediatric hospital. Survey items were developed using findings from past qualitative research with fathers, and existing literature. Content validity assessment was completed using expert opinion and cognitive interviews with fathers. The full sample consists of fathers with children attending hospital due to injury as well as non-injury reasons.ResultsSurvey development included opinion from three content experts and cognitive interviews with five fathers. Items include fathers' attitudes and practices related to protecting children from injuries and children's engagement with risky, physical activities. Questions also address child injury history and fathers' perceptions of their role and level of involvement. Results will be compared and reported for the injured and the non-injured groups.ContributionUnderstanding fathers' attitudes towards child risk and safety is important for designing prevention messages that fit with their views on parenting. Potential uses for the instrument for further research and injury prevention practice will be discussed.
Temperament and fracture risk among preschool children: a target kids! Cross-sectional survey
Authors: Howard A , Camden A , Macarthur C , Maguire J , Birken C , Parkin P 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported an association between temperament and fracture risk among school-age children; however, few studies have examined this association among preschool children.Aims/Objective/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between temperament and fracture risk among preschool children (3–5 years).MethodsA cross-sectional study with a case-control analytic approach was used to examine the association between temperament and fracture risk among preschool children in Toronto, Canada. Participants were selected from TARGet Kids!—a community-based pediatric primary care research network. Cases were children who had experienced a fracture. Controls were children with no history of fracture. A 1 : 12 ratio of cases: controls was used, with all cases selected and random sampling of controls. Primary exposure variables included three temperament subscales from the Children's Behavior Questionnaire—Surgency, Effortful Control and Negative Affect. Logistic regression was conducted to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs of fractures predicted by temperament, adjusted for sex and daycare status. Models were run for each temperament subscale.Results/OutcomesA total of 48 cases and 600 controls were selected. No significant association between temperament and fracture risk was found. Sex (females vs males, unadjusted OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.68) and daycare attendance (attends vs does not attend, unadjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.80) were the only significant predictors of fracture risk among preschool children.Significance/Contribution to the FieldThese findings contrast with results among school-age children. The lack of association between temperament and injury may relate to increased supervision of preschool children and developmental stage.Conference themeSafety, Design and SustainabilityConference topicChild safety
Injury prevention counselling during well-child visits in the USA: rates and determinants
Authors: Carlson KF , Fernandez AG , Ryan AD , Betz ME 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPediatric and adolescent injury prevention counselling (IPC) is recommended by USA medical organisations. Current rates and determinants of IPC in US child preventive care (‘well-child’) visits are unknown.Aims/Objectives/PurposeWe examined rates and determinants of IPC during well-child visits in US ambulatory care encounters.MethodsData were from the 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a probability sample survey conducted annually by the US National Center for Health Statistics and designed to represent all US office-based physician visits. We conducted descriptive analyses on rates of IPC by patient characteristics and estimated the likelihood of IPC in reference to hypothesised determinants. OR and 95% CI were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.Results/OutcomeThere were approximately 57 million (95% CI 47.2 to 66.8) well-child visits in US office-based physician clinics in 2009; 24% involved IPC. Patient gender was not associated with IPC, but age, race/ethnicity, and region were. Rates of IPC decreased from 28% in visits with children aged 0–2 years to 17% in those aged 13–18 years. Rates were lower for Hispanic (21%) and Black (19%) patients than for non-Hispanic Whites (25%). In multivariable models, visits occurring in non-metropolitan regions were less likely to involve IPC (11%) than visits in metropolitan (urban) regions (26%; OR  0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7).Significance/Contribution to the FieldIPC can be effective in reducing injury among paediatric patients. Public health efforts should focus on increasing overall rates of IPC. Emphasis on children who are older, racial/ethnic minority, and seeking preventive care in rural regions may be needed.
Exploring a new method to promote perceptions of susceptibility and severity of childhood injury
Authors: Oono UM , Nishida Y , Kitamura K , Yamanaka T , Joh H 
Published: October 2012

PurposeTo explore a new method to promote parents' perceptions of susceptibility and severity of childhood injury.MethodWe formulated two hypotheses: (1) Showing an internal phenomenon that is not visible from outside such as bleeding within the brain can effectively increase parents' severity perception, and (2) The fact that an injury occurred in one's on local community makes one be convinced that an injury could occur to one's child and promotes parents' perceived susceptibility. We developed animations that show the process of occurrence of internal injuries. Animations depicted: traumatic brain injury by falling from a bicycle, oesophageal erosion by swallowing a button battery, choking of cherry tomato, and choking of peanuts. To increase perceived susceptibility, we indicated the city name where participants reside on top of animations. Eighty-six mothers who have at least one child aged under 6-year-old participated and were assigned to one of four groups: (group 1) Internal+City, (group 2) No Internal+City, (group 3) Internal+No City, and (group 4) No Internal+No City.ResultsWhen we compared ‘Internal group’ (group 1 and 3 combined) to ‘No internal group’ (group 2 and 4 combined), Internal group had higher severity perception than No internal group in the case of brain injury (p=0.012). The differences were not statistically significant but adverse effects were found in other types of injuries. When compared groups 1–3, group 1 had superiority in perceptions of severity and susceptibility in all animations.ConclusionCombination of animation with an internal phenomenon and a city name is effective in promoting mothers' risk perception for injury.Screenshots of animations that show the process of occurrence of internal injuries
Using change theory to elucidate complexities in child safety
Authors: Simpson JC , McGee R , Fougere G 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundAs a rich nation, New Zealand ranks poorly for child safety. Despite proven interventions reducing specific causes of unintentional injury, serious events occur and in the home environment, many young children experience injuries for which there is no proven intervention. From a health promotion perspective, lack of progress often indicates complexity, so obtaining insights into dynamic environments, such as the home, to improve design and delivery of initiatives for children safety becomes crucial.AimsTo understand influences on parents' perceptions of, and responses to, injury risk, from the perspective of experienced practitioners, and analyse emergent themes utilising a theory of change.MethodsUsing an interpretive methodology, experiences, perceptions and beliefs of parents and community professionals working with young families were examined. ‘Downstream’ and ‘upstream’ influences were qualitatively identified. This presentation reports on the downstream aspects explored using Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory.ResultsInfluences identified were complex and interactive. The dynamic nature of the home environment was an underlying theme affecting the implementation and effectiveness of interventions. Some influences are well-recognised (knowledge of child development and safety strategies, and supervision style) while others are discussed rarely (parental fatigue). Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory proved a ‘good fit’, and in particular, the concepts of reciprocal determinism, observational learning, expectations and emotional coping provide new insights.Contribution to the FieldChild safety strategies often require social and behavioural changes. This study identified influences that affect managing child safety in a dynamic environment that can be used to develop effective strategies for child safety.
‘Down the Back Paddock’: a programme to educate local primary school children about safety on rural properties
Authors: Kerry Miles 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundWith 38% of the Waimakariri District population living rurally on farms or lifestyle blocks, rural safety is key area of focus for Injury Prevention Waimakariri. Furthermore, since the earthquakes more Christchurch people are moving to the Waimakariri District. Therefore, the need for rural safety education is now greater than ever. Not only rural children, but also those living in urban areas who regularly visit rural properties are being injured through unsafe practices being employed or through lack of knowledge about rural dangers.Aim‘Down the Back Paddock’ is a rural education programme aimed at increasing children and teachers' awareness of the risks associated with a rural environment. The purpose is to better educate children and, through them, adults to help create a better safety culture on farms and lifestyle blocks in the future.Method‘Down the Back Paddock’ is run in schools with experts delivering messages on a variety of safety-related topics specific to rural contexts. The programme has been developed by a local school principal and also designed to fit the New Zealand Curriculum Framework objectives. Schools are visited on a 4-yearly basis to reinforce the message; with each child receiving the message twice during their primary school years. Now in its eighth year of operation ‘Down the Back Paddock’ has been run in all the rural primary schools at least twice and now includes many urban schools.Result/OutcomeEvaluations from teachers, tutors and the children, plus feedback from parents point to the programme's success. Word of this success and we are receiving enquires from other Local Authorities and organisations inquiring about running it in their area.