bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reprioritising transport policies to protect vulnerable road users: the situation in the WHO European Region
Authors: Zambon F , Sethi D , Racioppi F 
Published: March 2011

IntroductionPoorer populations bear a disproportionate burden of avoidable mortality from road traffic injuries.Aims and MethodsData collected by the World Health Organization on road traffic victims among the countries of the WHO European Region were used to analyze the distribution of road traffic injury deaths by road user category and whether such distribution is correlated to the income level of a country.ResultsVulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) account for 39% of road traffic deaths in the WHO European Region; this figure is slightly less that the global figure of 46%. The distribution of vulnerable road users within the Region notably differs. Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Italy and France have the highest proportions of deaths of motorised two-wheeler users among victims of road crashes, exceeding 1 in 4 deaths. Pedestrians make up 18% of all road crash deaths in the European Union, but this is three times higher for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries). CIS countries have urban speed limits of 60 km/h. There is a strong inverse correlation between the proportion of pedestrians killed and gross national income per person (r=–0.66). This may be partly explained by changing modes of transport with country income, but also has implications for infrastructure development and speed control enforcement to protect pedestrians in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).ConclusionRoad safety stakeholders need to work together to implement evidence-based action to guarantee better protection for vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians in LMICs.
Addressing corrupt enforcement by road safety officers on Nigerian highways for fatality reduction
Authors: Okonkwo B , Emmanuel O , Ojugbana C C , Ikediashi I 
Published: March 2011

SituationDespite the increased efforts of the Management of Nigeria's regulating agency on road safety to curb road traffic injuries through increased enforcement, violation of road safety rules is recorded by recent studies to be rampant. Most media reports on road safety have attributed road violation to poor education of road users and corruption among road safety officers at check points on the highways. Thus increasing road risks and dangers.ObjectiveTo investigate corrupt enforcement practices by road safety officers and proffer suggestions.MethodActivities of four major checkpoints of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) of Nigeria were inspected in Imo, Anambra, Kaduna, kano and Delta states. Focus was on conspicuously defaulting drivers on over loading of vehicles with goods. Ten over loaded vehicles were randomly selected and discretely monitored at each checkpoint.FindingsThe study revealed that in all checkpoints at least two in five vehicles that were stopped for over loading violation were not fined or booked due to acceptance of bribe by enforcement officers.ConclusionWeak and corrupt enforcement is a major set back to achieving safer roads in Nigeria. Sensitisation and effective monitoring of enforcement officers is necessary to address the high rate of corruption that contributes to increased violation of traffic rules. Road users should be given opportunity to report erring enforcement officers and the national road safety agency should set up a quick response system to enable them obtain evidence from road users that are willing to report corrupt officers.
Costs associated with road crashes in the WHO European Region
Authors: Zambon F , Sethi D , Racioppi F 
Published: March 2011

Aim and MethodsTo assess the economic impact of road crashes the World Health Organization in 2008 collected information on the economic costs of road traffic injuries and on the expenditure on road safety.Results55% of the surveyed 49 countries in the WHO European Region provided estimates for the economic costs of road traffic injuries. For countries using the gross output methodology (therefore including property damage, healthcare and administration costs, absence from work and long-term disability or death) the average economic burden due to road crashes per person ranges from 10 to 1300. Expressed as proportion of the Gross Domestic Product-GDP, the estimated economic burden ranges from 0.4% to 3.1% of GDP, being higher for high-income countries. With regard to national funds specifically devoted to the implementation of national strategies on road safety, on average countries in the WHO European Region invest 8.5 per person. However, countries like Spain, Norway and France invest up to four times more on road safety than the European average. A comparison between the expenditure on national road safety strategies and the costs of road crashes shows that the economic costs of road traffic injuries are up to 70 times higher than the expenditure on safety.ConclusionIn spite of the methodological limitations, it can be concluded that more countries need to conduct standardised studies on national costs of road crashes. Such estimates can be used to advocate for more resources and to promote more investments in road safety.
Injuries related mortality in Iraq 2007; a reflection on the violence related mortality in emergency and OPDs
Authors: Al-Hussoni M , Rehman J , Al Himyeri N , Muhammedi R , Al Daghistani N K 
Published: March 2011

Hospital-based data collected in OPD and Emergency of hospitals of Iraq on monthly basis was retrieved from the Ministry of Health and analysed for Incidence rates (IR).The IR for the violence-related mortality in Iraq in 2007 was 37.63 per 100 000 person year. The major proportion of the fatal injuries during 2007 were gunshots (47%, IR 22.86 per 100 000 people) and explosions (30%, IR 14.77 per 100 000 person year). 59% of the fatal injuries in the capital city, Baghdad, were caused by gunshots (IR 30.84 per 100 000 person year) in 2007, while explosions caused 37% of the fatal injuries in the capital (IR 19.73 per 100 000 person year). Karkuk (explosions, IR 62.96 per 100 000 person year; gunshots, IR 55.09 per 100 000 person year) and Diala (gunshots, IR 53.88 per 100 000 person year; explosions, IR 36.84 per 100 000 person year) were the most affected provinces by the violence-related causes of deaths. The highest IR for road traffic accidents was recorded for Thiqar (IR 11.44 per 100 000 person year).Violence (gunshots and explosions) in the year 2007 is the highest cause of injury-related mortality in Iraq. Karkuk and Diala were the provinces with the highest violence-related mortality. Age (15–44) was affected most by the violence-related mortality followed by the age group 45–64; gunshots contributed more than explosions. In all of the provinces and in Iraq as whole, males lost their lives more than females due to violence.
Understanding and strengthening the role of EAPs in addressing intimate partner violence: lessons from EAP providers
Authors: Pollack Keshia M , Clinton-Sherrod Monique , Lindquist Christine , McKay Tasseli , Lasater Beth , Grisso Jeane Ann 
Published: March 2011

Given the widespread impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the workplace it is critical to understand the involvement of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in workplace-focused IPV activities. A cross-sectional design was employed to obtain information from a diverse set of EAPs, with detailed information about the types of services being offered to address IPV among employees served. EAPs were identified from various sources, including national EAP organisations, an advisory group to the larger grant, individual EAPs and other organisations and individuals who work or conduct research with data was collected from publicly available information and through semistructured telephone interviews with key informants from each EAP.EAPsA total of 28 EAPs were identified and information about how EAPs assist workplaces, IPV victims and perpetrators was collected. We found that the IPV services available to employers and employees are extensive and primarily include assistance with policy development, delivery of trainings and seminars, delivery of educational/awareness-raising activities and provision of management/security staff consultation. Yet companies lack of awareness regarding the role of IPV as a workplace issue challenges the ability of EAPs to deliver extensive workplace-based IPV services. EAP representatives also reported challenges in identifying IPV victims, since standardised procedures to do so were limited. Findings from this research provide clear evidence that most EAPs are providing both general prevention activities in the workplace and individual employee services for IPV although these services range from limited to fairly comprehensive.
Domestic violence among women attending the Forensic Medicine Institute Marcala, Department of La Paz, Honduras, June 2007 to November 2009
Authors: Lopez E E 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundIn Honduras in 2008 were made 6.572 domestic violence complaints. At the Marcala Forensic Medicine Institute (IML), the leading injury cause complaint by women is domestic violence; the IML covers 10 municipalities, 57 833 women (51%). No previous studies, being necessary to determine the domestic violence prevalence, epidemiological characterisation, injury types and identify the aggressor–victim relationship.Materials and MethodsA series of cases, defined case: Any woman attended by Marcala IML, physical, mental or sexual domestic violence victim, on June 11th 2007 to November 30th, 2009. All medical records in IML were reviewed, developed a sheet to collect variables data: age, origin, marital status, educational level, profession or occupation, race, type of violence, injury, instrument of injury, disability granted, sequels, relationship with the perpetrator; calculated central tendency and frequency measures.ResultsReviewed 613 records, 346 met definition case, median 21 years (range 5 to 71), most affected group 20 to 60 years (51.6%), incomplete primary education (33.5%), single (61%), rural area (71.3%) and housework (64%). Observed two violence types: physical (63%) and sexual (37%). Predominated Contusions (57%) and rape (37%). The spouse was the primary aggressor (20%). Municipalities with higher prevalence rates were Marcala and San Jose with 11.6 and 8.7 per thousand, respectively. Only effect observed: pregnancy (12), 18% victims of rape.ConclusionsDomestic violence present higher proportion on less educated, single women. As a limiting, are recorded only women who be attended by IML. We recommend implementing injury surveillance at other institutions, and disseminate results to other organisation to implement control measures and prevention.
Seat belt usage pattern in a developing country: Sri Lanka, which is about to implement new regulations
Authors: Rajapaksha R W M A L , Kumbukgolle K G V , Dharmaratne S D 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundRoad Traffic Accidents (RTAs) account for more than 1500 mortalities every year in Sri Lanka (SL). Although pedestrian fatalities have decreased, a recent increase in driver and passenger fatalities has been observed. The SL jurisdiction is exploring the possibility of implementing legislations to necessitate the use of seat belts.MethodologyThis is a cross sectional observational study carried out in Kandy, the second capital of SL. Vehicles entering the city from all the major entrances from 06:00 to 12:00 h were surveyed. The observations were recorded by two independent observers and analysed using SPSS version 13.ResultsA total of 20 066 Vehicles were included in the study. The overall prevalence of seatbelt use is 10.87%. The vehicle type significantly (p<0.001) affected seatbelt use, with highest prevalence seen in passengers in cars (17.62%) and lowest in vans (1.84%). Seatbelt use was significantly high during rush hours (p<0.05). Statistically there was an influence on the usage of SB by one front seat passenger on the other (p<0.001).DiscussionWhen compared to developed countries seatbelt use is minimal in SL. Thus seatbelt use needs to be made more popular. More research is needed to identify patterns of seatbelt use and to determine what makes people not to use seatbelts. We suggest implementation of new legislations as well as launching public awareness programs.
Integrated surveillance systems of road traffic and home injuries in the Lazio region, Italy: results of a 5-year study (2001–2005)
Authors: Farchi S , Camilloni L , Chini F , Rossi P Giorgi , Di Lallo D , Guasticchi G , Borgia P 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundRoad Traffic Injuries (RTI) and Home Injuries (HI) represent a relevant public health problem. In the Lazio region of Italy a surveillance system was activated.ObjectiveTo describe the surveillance system and report the health information in terms of temporal trends for the 5-year period 2001–2005.MethodsWe identified all Emergency Department (ED) visits and then linked them with hospital discharges and mortality registry. From the integrated database, we calculated the rates of ED visits, of hospital admissions, and of mortality, reporting the temporal trends.ResultsThe 5-year surveillance showed a rate of 3151/100 000 for RTI ED visit and of 2976/100 000 for HI ED visit. The 15–29 year old was the group with the highest incidence of RTI ED visit and hospitalisation rate, 6845 and 493 per 100 000 inhabitants respectively; while the highest HI ED visit rate was in 0–4 years old (5958/100 000) and in older persons (3131/100 000) subjects. During the study period RTI and HI ED visit and hospitalisation rate showed a decreasing trend. The RTI surveillance revealed a decreasing trend for hospital admissions, and a decline of fatal cases from 2003, when the drivers license point system began. It identified higher number of fatal cases (22% more) than the official statistics. The HI surveillance revealed a significant increasing trend in more severe cases, and a stable trend for mortalities.ConclusionThis study underlines the usefulness of the surveillance in order to monitor temporal trends and effectiveness of preventive measures.
Beyond the neglect of psychological consequences: posttraumatic stress disorder increases the non-fatal burden of injury by more than 50%
Authors: Haagsma J A , Polinder S , Toet H , Panneman M , Havelaar A H , Bonsel G J , van Beeck E F 
Published: March 2011

IntroductionPsychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are currently neglected in burden of injury calculations. The aim of this study was to assess the disease burden of PTSD due to unintentional injury and compare this with health loss to physical injury consequences.MethodsFrom literature sources, the prevalence rate of PTSD at four follow-up periods (<3 months, 3–6 months, 7–12 months and >12 months) was estimated. The uncertainty of the estimated PTSD prevalence rate was modelled by using a Bayesian approach. The prevalence rates were then linked to national data on unintentional injury, disability weights and duration to estimate the incidence and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) resulting from PTSD in addition to physical injury consequences.ResultsThe data suggest that PTSD prevalence rate among injury victims decreases over time. The average PTSD prevalence rate at <3 months follow-up was 21% for patients presenting at the ED and 30% for patients that were hospitalised, after 12 months tapering down to 4% and 6% respectively. These estimates translate into 191 000 cases of PTSD per year in the Dutch population (1.2%) due to unintentional injury. Including PTSD increases the non-fatal burden of disease of unintentional injuries by 53% from 116 000 to 178 000 DALYs.ConclusionsIgnoring PTSD in burden of injury studies results in a considerable underestimation of the burden of injury. This may impact resource allocation and the identification of important prevention priorities.
Influence and process of perceived school multiculturalism in relation to youth delinquency and depression
Authors: Le T N , Johansen S , Wallen J 
Published: March 2011

From a youth developmental perspective, multiculturalism entails the development of empathetic understanding, intercultural sensitivity, intercultural competence and civic mindfulness (Endicott, Bock & Narvaez, 2003; Bennett, 1993; Cushner, 2008). While studies have examined multiculturalism with respect to academics (Chushner, 2008; Straffon 2003), few studies to date have explored the relation between perceived school multiculturalism and depression and delinquency. This study explores the relation between perceived school multiculturalism and two important youth outcomes, depression and delinquency. Potential mediators including civic engagement, ethno-cultural empathy, ethnic identity and positive peers were also explored as potential explanatory processes of this link.ResultsResults revealed support for a full mediation model in which perceived school multiculturalism was positively associated with civic engagement, positive peers and ethnic identity; civic engagement and positive peers, in turn, were significantly negatively associated with delinquency but not depression. As recommended by Preacher and Hayes (2008), bootstrapping analyses were conducted to assess the effects of mediators by constructing confidence intervals around the estimates. The results portray that only civic engagement was a significant mediator between multiculturalism and delinquency.ConclusionsThe results of this study reveal that there are potentially different pathways and mechanisms by which multiculturalism operates with respect to different youth outcomes. For delinquency, peer factors and sense of belonging seem to be more influential factors than the ability to tune in to the feelings and experiences of others, whereas such ability is more salient for the positive side of emotional health.
The Barell matrix scope of use
Authors: Aharonson-Daniel L 
Published: March 2011

IntroductionThe Barell matrix proposes a format for epidemiological reports using ICD-9-CM codes. One matrix dimension denotes the body region and the other indicates the nature of injury. The matrix enabled the easy and standard recording and identification of all injuries to a certain body region. It also provides the basis for building multiple injury profiles. After a decade of matrix use, this review examines the literature for applications of the Barell Matrix since its' publication with two aims in mind:To broaden the exposure of the injury community to this important tool andTo demonstrate the broad scope of potential use for injury statistics using this tool.Methods“Pubmed” and “Google scholar” were searched for the terms “Barell Matrix” “Barell body region by injury nature diagnosis matrix” and “Barell injury diagnosis matrix”. Several characteristics for each manuscript were recorded and entered into an excel worksheet. All articles were thoroughly studied to form the following review.Results96 applications were included 67.7% from peer reviewed journals, 28.1% non peer reviewed, most in formal government publications. The reports originated in 12 countries in five continents written in four languages. The number of annual publications grew from 3 in 2002 to 19 in 2007. 76 applications are cited and discussed under various headings such as epidemiology, methodology, health economics, public health agencies and more.ConclusionsThe Barell Matrix is increasingly gaining popularity as a tool for standardised injury epidemiology. The broader dissemination of this approach will help boost its' use for the betterment of injury data worldwide.
Years of safe community activities in Dallas, TX, USA: has it made a 15 difference?
Authors: Stephens-Stidham S , Stowe M , McCoy M , Anderson R , Boumbulian P , Istre G R 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundThe Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas, Texas (IPC) was established in 1994, and Dallas became the first WHO designated Safe Community in the U.S. in 1996. The IPC has used the Safe Communities model approach, has worked with >100 different organisations and agencies, and has promoted coalitions and community groups that are engaged in injury prevention. The IPC has devoted much of its effort toward prevention of Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC) and Residential Fire-related deaths and injuries in Dallas County.MethodsWe compared the change in deaths rates (per 100 000 pop.) from vital statistics between 1994–96 and 2004–06, for MVC deaths and Fire-related deaths. Dallas County rates were compared to rates in Harris County (Houston) and Bexar County (San Antonio), the primary counties for the two other largest metro areas in Texas.ResultsMVC Death rates in Dallas County decreased from 16.1 to 13.1 (down 18%) between 1994–96 and 2004–06 (p<0.05), and Fire-related death rates decreased by 48% (p<0.05), both of which were greater than either Harris or Bexar counties, the state of Texas as a whole, or the U.S. as a whole.ConclusionSecular trend evidence indicates that MVC and Fire-Related deaths have declined substantially during the time of a Safe Communities Model effort in Dallas County, which focused on those areas. While we recognise that secular trend comparisons do not prove effectiveness, the results are consistent with a beneficial impact of the Safe Communities program in Dallas.
School injury in Israel: findings from Magen David Adom
Authors: Molcho M , Yafe E 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundData on school injury are not always easy to obtain. Many of the existing data are based on schoolchildren's self-report. Self-reported data are vulnerable to recall bias, and to interpretation of what is considered as medical treatment, a term usually used as a criterion to prevent children from reporting insignificant injuries. In Israel, all data on school-related injury were collected using self-reported questionnaires. In the academic year of 2007/08, Magen David Adom (MDA), a NGO that provides first aid and ambulance services in Israel, provided first aid services to all schools in the state. This paper presents findings from these data and compares them to previously published self-reported data collected by the Health Behaviour in School Aged Children survey.MethodologyDuring the 2007/08 academic year, MDA had set a call centre for schools. In case of a school injury, schools were encouraged to call the centre for telephone assessment followed by either: advice on treatment at school by school staff; provision of first aid by member of MDA staff on school grounds; or provision of an ambulance service. The service was offered free of charge to all the schools in the state. MDA staff recorded all calls, and collected information on the type of injury, location and time for all types of services.Main FindingsThe paper will present analysis of the data collected and will compare prevalence to nationally representative sample of self-reported injury in school going children.