Factors related to road system organisation and its association with mortality due to motor vehicle-pedestrian collisions in Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.

INTRODUCTION: Traffic events are one of the five leading causes of mortality in Mexico. Pedestrians are one of the main road users involved in such incidents and have the highest mortality rate, which is regularly analysed in relation to vehicles and pedestrians, but not the built environment. The purpose of this study was to analyse the elements of the road system organisation that influences the mortality rate of pedestrians hit by motor vehicles in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. METHOD: We designed a case and control study in which the cases were sites where a pedestrian died during 2012. The controls were sites close to where the death occurred, as well as those with road infrastructure characteristics similar to those where the events took place. We obtained the pedestrian data from the death certificates and assessed some of the environmental elements of the road sites. A logistic regression analysis was used to estimate OR; 95% CI. RESULTS: Road system factors related with pedestrian mortality in close locations were: the presence of bus stops on intersections in one street or both, and road system features, such as the presence of traffic islands, vehicle flow and pedestrian flow. CONCLUSIONS: According to the urban network theory and multiple theory, the final elements resulted as risk factors due to a fault in connectivity between the nodes. A temporal analysis of urban features will help urban planners make decisions regarding the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

[Falls mortality trends in México, 1979-2010]. / [Tendencia de mortalidad por caídas en México, 1979-2010].

AIM: To analyze the mortality trend by accidental falls in Mexico, from 1979 to 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used official mortality data in México. Variables included were mortality cause, place of lesion, age, sex, year of mortality registration, size of the town of occurrence, state, occupation, workplace falls. RESULTS: During that period, 124,509 deaths by accidental and intentional falls were registered; of these 77.03% were men. From 1989 (3.20 per 100,000) to 2010 (1.99 per 100,000), the mortality trend was falling (ß = -0.053/ 100,000, p ≤ 0.001). In the majority of states, we found a decreased between 1993-1997 and 2006 to 2010, except in Aguascalientes, Puebla, Baja California Sur, Durango and Nuevo León. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in México that showed the descending trend of mortality in accidental falls in the last two decades.

[Drowning mortality trends in children younger than 5 years old in Mexico, 1979-2008]. / Tendencia de la mortalidad de la asfixia por inmersión en niños menores de cinco años en México de 1979 a 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To describe mortality trends from drowning in children younger than 5 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mortality records of children younger than 5 years old were obtained from the National Health Information (SINAIS) system of Mexico from 1979 to 2008. Cause of death by asphyxia was established according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 9th and 10th). We analyzed age, sex, federal state, year and place where the event occurred. RESULTS: Fatal drowning diminished from 7.64 in 1979 to 3.59 deaths per 100,000 in 2008. This trend was observed throughout the assessment period and in all federal states. Children younger than 2 years showed the highest rate of death. Mortality was higher in males than females (1.7:1). A great proportion of events happen at home. CONCLUSION: Drowning mortality among children less than 5 years old in Mexico shows a downward trend in all states.

[Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets]. / Estado de funcionalidad de adultos mayores empacadores en tiendas de autoservicio.

OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May to July 2008 we carried out a cross-sectional analysis in 416 volunteers aged 60 or more years. RESULTS: Mean age was 69.4 years, (range 60-87). Mean level of schooling was elementary school. Men's prior occupation was in the formal sector of the economy vs. women participants who were not. Men were mostly from lower middle class strata and women from lower strata. Most participant's self-perception of health was good although there was an inherent risk of developing obesity. Depression rating scale scores were within normal limits. They had sought work as packers due to financial constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Senior citizens working as paid volunteers seems to promote their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Our findings suggest gender differences within the context of a bleak socio-economic and epidemiological panorama.

Estado de funcionalidad de adultos mayores empacadores en tiendas de autoservicio / Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets

Objetivo: Identificar características demográficas, económicas y condiciones de salud en empacadores voluntarios de tiendas Soriana. Métodos: Diseño analítico transversal de 416 empacadores voluntarios con 60 años y más de edad, entrevistados entre mayo y julio de 2008. Resultados: Edad promedio de 69.4 años, rango 60 a 87; escolaridad nivel primaria. La mayoría de los hombres se había desempeñado en empleo formal; por su parte, la mayoría de las mujeres en el sector informal. El nivel socioeconómico de los hombres fue medio bajo; en las mujeres, bajo. La autopercepción de salud buena, aunque existió riesgo inherente a obesidad. En la escala de depresión, la mayoría normal. Las razones de la actividad como empacador fue la necesidad económica. Conclusiones: La incorporación y el apoyo a los ancianos en actividades laborales promueve el envejecimiento activo y benefician la salud física, mental social y económica. Los resultados de este estudio permiten apreciar diferencias entre hombres y mujeres, en medio de un panorama socioeconómico y epidemiológico poco alentador.

OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May to July 2008 we carried out a cross-sectional analysis in 416 volunteers aged 60 or more years. RESULTS: Mean age was 69.4 years, (range 60-87). Mean level of schooling was elementary school. Men's prior occupation was in the formal sector of the economy vs. women participants who were not. Men were mostly from lower middle class strata and women from lower strata. Most participant's self-perception of health was good although there was an inherent risk of developing obesity. Depression rating scale scores were within normal limits. They had sought work as packers due to financial constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Senior citizens working as paid volunteers seems to promote their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Our findings suggest gender differences within the context of a bleak socio-economic and epidemiological panorama.