Social and economic factors associated with child unintentional injury mortality in high-income countries.

INTRODUCTION: Recognising the connection between country-level social determinants of health, and child unintentional injury mortality can contribute to better resource allocation for child safety. This cross-sectional country-level study aims to investigate such a link where the role of income inequality (Gini Index) is examined alongside education expenditure, current health expenditure and gross national income (GNI) per capita. METHODS: A total of 49 high-income countries were studied, using the WHO Global Health Estimates 2016, the World Bank's World Development Indicators for education and GNI per capita, and the standardised world income inequality database to compile estimates of child unintentional injury mortality rates and selected socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: A wide range of childhood mortality rates from unintentional injury was observed (1.3-10.0 deaths per 100 000 children). Such risk is strongly associated with income inequality (0.50), GNI per capita (-0.35) and education expenditure (-0.01) (mediated by income inequality). No association was found to current health expenditure. The results explain 52% of the variance in child unintentional injury mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In countries with higher overall economic activity and lower-income inequality, child mortality from unintentional injuries is lower. Allocation of education expenditure is one contributor to reducing income inequality; other factors need further exploration.

A new admission method may select applicants with a distinct personality profile.

BACKGROUND: There is little data to suggest that a specific admission method can select students with a distinct personality profile. We have recently introduced a new admission process that combines a computerized personality test, with a single interview. The purpose of the current study was to find whether the new method selects applicants with a different personality profile and attitudes compared with the previous method. METHOD: Using a validated personality questionnaire (HEXACO) and attitudes questionnair, that were filled anonymously between November 2014 and May 2015, the authors compared two groups of students: group A comprising students accepted with the new method (first and second year) with group B comprising students accepted with the previous method (third to sixth year). RESULTS: In group A, 157 responded out of 250 (63%), while in group B 194 out of 352 (55%). Group A students ranked significantly higher in honesty-humility, extraversion, agreeableness and openness to experience, and lower in emotionality. Physicians' role in society was perceived to be more meaningful among Group A students (M = 4.19, SD = 0.50, N = 152) compared to Group B students (M = 3.86, SD = 0.57, N = 184). CONCLUSIONS: The new method may select applicants with a distinct personality profile and different attitudes toward the physicians' role in the society.