Clinico-Demographic Profile and Factors Affecting Duration of Hospital Stay Among Burn Patients in an Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Center, South India: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Burns continue to be a serious public health problem in India. It persists as an endemic disease in spite of implementing various preventive measures at the individual and community levels. Etiology and factors influencing burns are varied. There is a paucity of data regarding the clinico-demographic profile of burns disease, especially from emergency tertiary care settings in India. Objective To assess the proportion of burn patients having longer hospital stays (>1 week) and the influence of clinico-demographic factors associated with it among the burn patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care institute in south India. Methodology An institution-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among burns patients attending the Emergency Medicine Department (EMD) of a tertiary care center between January 2017 and December 2017. Information on clinico-demographic profile and duration of hospital stay were captured using semi-structured data collection proforma. Results All the 327 burns injury patients who presented to our EMD during the study period were included. Among the 327 patients, 259 (79%) were admitted to the EMD. Among 259 admitted patients, 142 (55%) patients were discharged home. Among these 142 patients, 106 (74.6%; 95%CI 66.8-81.2) had longer hospital stays (more than one week). Female gender and facial/inhalational burns were found to have an independent effect on the length of hospital stay even after adjusted analysis. Conclusion Length of hospital stay is independently influenced by female gender and facial/inhalational burns. This study also identified the need for better home safety, child-proofing, proper pre-hospital care, and dedicated burns units in the community.

'Be the Match'. Predictors of Decisions Concerning Registration as a Potential Bone Marrow Donor-A Psycho-Socio-Demographic Study.

(1) Background: The study was aimed at a better understanding of the factors determining making a decision to become a potential bone marrow donor, in a Polish research sample; (2) Methods: The data was collected using a self-report questionnaire among persons who voluntarily participated in the study concerning donation, conducted on a sample of the Polish population via Internet. The study included 533 respondents (345 females and 188 males), aged 18-49. Relationships between the decision about registration as potential bone marrow donor and psycho-socio-demographic factors were estimated using the machine learning methods (binary logistic regression and classification & regression tree); (3) Results. The applied methods coherently emphasized the crucial role of personal experiences in making the decision about willingness for potential donation, f.e. familiarity with the potential donor. They also indicated religious issues and negative health state assessment as main decision-making destimulators; (4) Conclusions. The results of the study may contribute to an increase in the effectiveness of recruitment actions by more precise personalization of popularizing-recruitment actions addressed to the potential donors. It was found that selected machine learning methods are interesting set of analyses, increasing the prognostic accuracy and quality of the proposed model.

Profile of health care workers in a context of instability: a cross-sectional study of four rural health zones in eastern DR Congo (lessons learned).

BACKGROUND: The crisis in human resources for health is observed worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of human resources for health as a major pillar for the proper functioning of the health system, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts such as DR Congo. However, the aspects relating to human resources profile in relation to the level of performance of the health districts in a particular context of conflicts and multiform crises have not yet been described. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the profile of staff working in rural health districts in a context of crisis and conflicts. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 15, 2017 to May 30, 2019 on 1090 health care workers (HCW) exhaustively chosen from four health districts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Idjwi, Katana, Mulungu and Walungu). Data were collected using a survey questionnaire. The Chi2 test was used for comparison of proportions and the Kruskal-Wallis test for medians. As measures of association, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) along with their 95% confidence interval. The α-error cut-off was set at 5%. RESULTS: In all the health districts the number of medical doctors was very insufficient with an average of 0.35 medical doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. However, the number of nurses was sufficient, with an average of 3 nurses per 5000 inhabitants; the nursing / medical staff (47%) were less represented than the administrative staff (53%). The median (Min-Max) age of all HCW was 46 (20-84) years and 32% of them were female. This was the same for the registration of staff in the civil service (obtaining a registration number). The mechanism of remuneration and payment of benefits, although a national responsibility, also suffered more in unstable districts. Twenty-one percent of the HCW had a monthly income of 151USD and above in the stable district; 9.2% in the intermediate and 0.9% in the unstable districts. Ninety-six percent of HCW do not receive Government' salary and 64% of them do not receive the Government bonus. CONCLUSION: The context of instability compromises the performance of the health system by depriving it of competent personnel. This is the consequence of the weakening of the mechanisms for implementing the practices and policies related to its management. DR Congo authorities should develop incentive mechanisms to motivate young and trained HCW to work in unstable and intermediate health districts by improving their living and working conditions.

Genetic Testing Consumers in Italy: A Preliminary Investigation of the Socio-Demographic Profile, Health-Related Habits, and Decision Purposes.

Aim of the study: Genetic testing is becoming increasingly common in clinical practice and health management; nonetheless, little is known about how the population approaches genetic services through private companies. Our study aims to describe socio-demographic aspects, health-related habits, and overall beliefs and knowledge about genetic risk and testing in a population of Italian citizens who decided to undergo a genetic examination through a private genetic company. Study design: A sample of 152 clients from an Italian private genetic company completed an ad-hoc survey from September 2016 to February 2018, addressing socio-demographic data, health habits, psycho-physic condition, perceived utility of genetic results, decision purposes about data sharing, and behavioral changes after results. Results: Participants (mean age 42.4) were predominantly female (82.2%) and were overall well-educated. Their main source of information were physicians (77%), and 41.1% entrusted the management of results to the same. Thirty-eight percentage underwent genetic analysis for cancer predisposition, 31.3% for fertility problems, 24% for dietary or intolerance issues in the period of enrolment. More than half of them (62.7%) reported a family history of the disease, and overall 69% had a current or past experience with a disease. Clients perceived the genetic screening as useful to adopt behaviors that may prevent disease onset (37.7%), to know their "real health status" (27.4%), and to adopt health-related behaviors (23.3%). 62.8% claimed they were motivated to change behaviors after results (healthier diet, practice exercise, medical checks), and they wanted to share results with their physician and family members. Discussion/Conclusion: The overview of consumers' profiles in Italy and other European countries can contribute to tailoring and regulating genetic services in a way that could be efficient in terms of healthy choices, behaviors, and health resource expenditures for the general public.

Depression and anxiety in patients of chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis: A study from western Rajasthan.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long standing debilitating medical condition. CKD patients who are undergoing hemodialysis commonly experience depressive and anxiety symptoms because of various physical and psychosocial factors. The present study aimed to assess psychiatric morbidities i.e., depression and/or anxiety in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. The objective of study was to evaluate depressive and anxiety disorders and their relation to socio-demographic factors in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Nephrology department of a tertiary care institution on 100 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis; who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Diagnosis of depression and anxiety disorder was made as per WHO (ICD-10) criteria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) was applied to study severity of the disorders. Data collected was subjected to suitable statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation and Chi-square test). RESULTS: Majority (54 percent) of the CKD patients belonged to age group of 41 to 60 years, were Hindus, married and had low monthly income. The prevalence of depressive disorder and anxiety disorder among CKD patients was around 66% and 61%, respectively. Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with gender, occupation, income and duration of haemodialysis in these patients. CONCLUSION: Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in CKD patients and have varying relations with different socio-demographic characteristics of patients. Clinicians should focus on these morbidities while managing such patients and provide holistic treatment using multidisciplinary approaches to improve the overall quality of life.

Demographic profile and pregnancy outcomes of adolescents and older mothers in Saudi Arabia: analysis from Riyadh Mother (RAHMA) and Baby cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of maternal age on pregnancy outcomes with special emphasis on adolescents and older mothers and to investigate the differences in demographic profile between adolescents and older mothers. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of pregnancy outcomes of women in Riyadh Mother and Baby cohort study according to maternal age. The study population was grouped according to maternal age into five subgroups; <20, 20-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 40+years. The age group 20-29 years was considered as a reference group. Investigation of maternal age impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes was conducted with adjustment of confounders using regression models. RESULTS: All mothers were married when conceived with the index pregnancy. Young mothers were less likely to be illiterate, more likely to achieve higher education and be employed compared with mothers ≥ 40 years. Compared with the reference group, adolescents were more likely to have vaginal delivery (and least likely to deliver by caesarean section (CS); OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9, while women ≥40 years, were more likely to deliver by CS; OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.3 to 3.7. Maternal age was a risk factor for gestational diabetes in women ≥40 years; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.1. Adolescents had increased risk of preterm delivery; OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1 and women ≥40 years had similar risk; OR, 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6. CONCLUSION: Adverse pregnancy outcomes show a continuum with the advancement of maternal age. Adolescents mother are more likely to have vaginal delivery; however, they are at increased risk of preterm delivery. Advanced maternal age is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes and CS.

Socio-Demographic, Reproductive and Clinical Profile of Women Diagnosed with Advanced Cervical Cancer in a Tertiary Care Institute of Delhi.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among Indian women with estimated 123,000 new cases and 67,477 deaths in 2012. Cervical cancer is a multi-etiological disease. Factors such as low socioeconomic status, tobacco use, sexual and reproductive factors, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and long-term oral contraceptive use have been suggested as determinants. Assessment of socio-demographic profile and reproductive history gives a better picture of the determinants of cervical carcinoma in low-resource settings. METHODS: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken at a tertiary healthcare institute at New Delhi, India. Sixty-seven newly diagnosed women with advanced cervical cancer (stage 2B-4B), who were undertaking radio- and/or chemotherapy, were included to assess their socio-demographic, reproductive and clinical profile. RESULTS: The mean age of women at the time of detection of cervical cancer was 52.28 ± 11.29 years (range 30-75 years). More than 60 % of patients were illiterate and belonged to middle socioeconomic status. Thirty-nine percentage of the study subjects had their first sexual experience before 15 years of age. Nearly 54 % women had 5 or more pregnancies. Nearly 73 % of women had all deliveries at home. Majority (69 %) of women had symptoms suggestive of reproductive tract infection. Among them, unusual discharge from vagina (73.13 %) followed by bleeding after menopause (55.10 %) and pain in abdomen (44.77 %) were the most common presenting complaints. Pallor was present in nearly two-third (63.93 %) study subjects. More than half (56.72 %) study subjects had moderate anemia, and 7.46 % had severe anemia before treatment. Mean hemoglobin level of the study subjects was 10.35 ± 1.72 gm% before treatment and 9.69 ± 1.29 gm% after treatment. This difference was statistically significant. Around 97 % of the study subjects had squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Majority (53.73 %) of the study subjects were in stage 3B of cervical cancer. Combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy was the most common (77.67 %) modality of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, early sexual debut, high fertility, home delivery, reproductive tract infections, use of insanitary clothes during menstruation and anemia were observed in majority of women with advanced cancer cervix. Presence of these factors indicates possible risk of cervical cancer and should be kept in mind when women seek health services. Early diagnosis through high risk or opportunistic screening and timely management of cervical cancer needs to be ensured for better outcomes.

Socio-demographic and clinical profile of substance abuse patients admitted to an emergency department in Ankara, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Illicit drug abuse is an important health problem around the world. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug, followed by amphetamines, opioids, and cocaine. In this study, we searched the socio-demographic features of drug abusers admitted to an emergency department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in the emergency department of an education and training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The socio-demographic features, substances commonly consumed, and the reason for the patients' presentation were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 28.3±9.2. Of those under study, 93.3% were male; 68.7% were discharged from the emergency department after a short observation period; and 10.4% were hospitalized. The median age of the patients' first experience with illicit substances was 19 (4-56). CONCLUSION: Illicit drug use remains a significant medical health problem, not only in Turkey but also around the world. Abusers frequently seek emergency services, complaining of various symptoms, but generally do not mention their substance abuse. Emergency physicians must ask patients if they use abuse drugs.

Nutritional status of children aged 3-6 years in a rural area of tamilnadu.

BACKGROUND: A child's entire life is determined in large measures by the food given to him during his first five years. Since childhood is the most vulnerable phase in the life of human being, nutritional inadequacies will result in the hampering of the development of the body. Future of the country is determined by the growing generation of the country. OBJECTIVES: a) To assess the nutritional status of children aged 3-6 y in a rural area of TamilNadu. b) To identify the factors associated with the nutritional status of the above study population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Kuthambakkam village in Tamilnadu, Cross sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total number of children aged 3-6 y is 172 in Kuthambakkam village. The entire children aged 3-6 y was included in the study. Mothers of the children were interviewed using an interview schedule to collect information regarding the sociodemographic profile, feeding practices, and immunization status. Socio-economic status was assessed using modified BG Prasad's classification. Weight of the children was measured using a portable weighing machine. Nutritional status among 3-6 y old children was assessed by computing weight for age (standard used - National Centre For Health Statistics (NCHS) standards for weight for age) and grading of nutritional status of the children was done using the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) classification. Grade I to Grade IV nutritional grade is taken as undernourished. Statistical Analytical: Prevalence will be expressed in percentage and Chi-square test will be used to find association with factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of under-nutrition (≤ 80 percentage of standard weight for age) was 66.5%. The prevalence of grade 1 malnourishment was 46.2%.The prevalence of under nourishment increased with increasing age and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p< 0.05).Prevalence of under nourishment was higher among male children (76.9%)than female children (56.3%) and was statistically significant. As the socioeconomic status increased the prevalence of undernourishment decreased and the difference was found to be statistically significant(p<0.05). Duration of exclusive breast feeding had influence on the nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Community based preventive measures should be taken to allievate malnutrition. Health education to the mothers on dietary practices like feeding their children with locally available low cost but healthy food should be given. Nutritional rehabilitation centres should be established. Improving the socioeconomic standards is mandatory.

Análisis de la discapacidad severa en Chile en pacientes atendidos en la atención primaria, año 2011-2012 / Analysis of disability severe Chile in patients treated in primary care, 2011-2012

Chile enfrenta un envejecimiento acelerado de su población que obliga a estudiar este fenómeno y adecuar la política pública en salud. El presente es un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, cuyo objetivo es analizar datos relevantes de los pacientes con discapacidad severa en Chile. La fuente fue el Departamento Estadístico e Informático en Salud del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, logrando caracterizar esta población, identificar la cobertura nacional y por Servicios de Salud, analizar prevalencias de los pacientes bajo control, la capacidad de oferta y el impacto de la política. Se encontró que existe 1 paciente con discapacidad severa por cada 100 beneficiarios de FONASA el año 2011, lo que aumentó a 2,3 el año 2012. El promedio de pacientes bajo control fue de 931 el año 2011 y 1.079 el 2012. Los pacientes se concentran en las zonas del centro y sur del país, más del 60 por ciento son mujeres, excepto en los SS de Aysén, Araucanía Norte y Magallanes. Por grupos de edad, el 72 por ciento de estos pacientes son mayores de 65 años, no existiendo diferencias importantes por Servicios de Salud (SS) en ambos años. Las tasas de discapacidad severa por cada 1.000 beneficiarios de FONASA son más altas el año 2012 respecto del 2011; lo que aumenta con la edad, especialmente en los mayores de 65 años. Lo mismo ocurre según sexo y SS. Las tasas más altas se concentran en la zona sur del país. Para el análisis de los datos se usó el programa Excel.

Chile faces a rapidly aging population requiring study this phenomenon and adapt public health policy. This is a descriptive cross sectional study, which aims to analyze relevant data from patients with severe disabilities in Chile. The source was the Statistical and Computer Department for Health, Ministry of Health of Chile, being able to characterize this population, identify national coverage and health services, analyze prevalence of patients under control, supply capacity and the impact of political. There is 1 patient with severe disabilities FONASA 100 beneficiaries in 2011, which increased to 2.3 by 2012. The average patient under control was 931 in 2011 and 1,079 in 2012. Patients are concentrated in the center of the south, most areas 60 percent are women, except SS Aysen, Magallanes and Araucanía Norte. By age group, 72 percent of these patients are over 65, there being no significant differences for Health Services (SS) in both years. Severe disability rates per 1,000 beneficiaries FONASA are higher in 2012 compared to 2011; which increases with age, especially over 65 years. The same goes according to sex and SS. The highest rates are concentrated in the southern region. For data analysis the Excel program was used.

Socio-demographic profile of different samples of Latin American rural extensionists / Perfil sociodemográfico de diferentes amostras de extensionistas rurais da América Latina

In order to design and implement public policies in the context of rural development, information tends to be gathered about family farming in different Latin American countries. In contrast, scarce attention has been given to the description of rural extensionists, who are the ones supporting family farming in the field. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted between 2010 and 2012 including surveys to rural extensions working in 10 different Latin American countries, this allowing for a preliminary description of the socio-demographic profile of the respondents. The samples were incidental ranging from 19 (Bolivia) to 220 (Argentina) subjects, this implying that they were not representative. Significant statistical differences were found with regards to the sex, age, experience, level of education and university degree of the samples pertaining to the different countries. In average, most extensionists are men (70.1%), age 40.3 and have little more than 11 years of experience as extensionists. Brazilian practitioners surveyed are the oldest, most educated and experienced among the different samples. In general, most extensionists have a technical background and are agricultural engineers. The Uruguayan sample showed the highest percentage of extensionists coming from the area of social sciences.

A fim de elaborar e implementar políticas públicas no contexto do desenvolvimento rural, é muito comum a coleta de informações sobre a distribuição e as características da agricultura familiar. Em contraste, tem sido dada pouca atenção à descrição sociodemográfica dos extensionistas rurais, que são os que apoiam a agricultura familiar no território. Entre 2010 e 2012, foi feita umtrabalho em que foram pesquisados extensionistas rurais que trabalham em 10 países latino-americanos diferentes, permitindo, assim, uma descrição preliminar do perfil sociodemográfico destes extensionistas. As amostras foram incidentais, variando de 19 indivíduos (Bolívia) a 220 (Argentina), implicando que elas não são representativas. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no sexo, idade, experiência, nível de escolaridade e título academico dos extensionistas das amostras pertencentes aos diferentes países. Em média, a maioria dos extensionistas são homens (70,1%), tem 40,3 anos de idade e tem pouco mais de 11 anos de experiência como extensionistas rurais. Os brasileiros pesquisados são os mais idosos, educados e experientes entre as diferentes amostras. Em geral, a maioria dos extensionistas têm formação técnica e são engenheiros agrícolas. Na amostra uruguaia, pode ser encontrado o maior percentual de extensionistas provenientes da área das ciências sociais.

Perfil sociodemográfico y patrones de consumo de drogas de pacientes de cocaina y crack / Socio Demographic Profile and Usage Patterns of Crack and Cocaine Consumers

El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer el perfil sociodemográfico y el patrón de uso de cocaína y crack, y su asociación con tabaco y otras sustancias entre usuarios que asisten a un tratamiento ambulatorio. Participaron 139 usuarios (87,3% hombres y 12,7% mujeres), que hicieron parte del 'Tratamiento breve para usuarios de cocaína' (TUBC), de la Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el cuestionario de preselección y la entrevista inicial. Encontramos que hay diferencias en el perfil de los consumidores de coca y los de crack. Sigue siendo mayor la proporción de consumidores de coca que de crack; los consumidores de coca tienen mayor escolaridad que los consumidores de crack; la mayoría de ambos consumidores han conservado un empleo. Más usuarios de coca habían asistido a un tratamiento. Estos resultados son muy útiles para ampliar el conocimiento sobre las características que tienen este tipo de consumidores y ayudar a perfilar los tratamientos específicos que cada uno requiere.

The aim of this investigation was to recognize the socio demographic profile of crack and cocaine consumers that have attended an ambulatory treatment. As a well as, to define the crack and cocaine usage patterns and their association with tobacco and other substances amongst these groups of consumers. 39 users took part in the investigation (87.3% men and 12.7 women) said participants had all received the Brief treatment for cocaine users (TUBC) at the faculty of psychology of the UNAM. The items used in this study were: a preselecting questionnaire and an intake interview. Our results showed that there are profile differences amongst cocaine and crack consumers. Firstly, the percentage of cocaine consumers is still higher than the percentage of those who take crack. Secondly, Cocaine consumers have a higher grade of education than crack consumers. Thirdly, there were more cocaine users that had previously attended a treatment. However, the majority of subjects in both groups had managed to maintain their Jobs. These results are very useful to widen the knowledge about the characteristics of each type of consumer; what is more, they help us define the specific treatment each type of consumer requires.

Fatores de exposição, experiência no trânsito e envolvimentos anteriores em acidentes de trânsito entre estudantes universitários de cursos na área da saúde, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brasil / Factors of exposure, experience in the traffic and previous involvements in traffic accidents among college students of health courses, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil

Os tipos de vítimas mais freqüentes nos acidentes de trânsito são os jovens, principalmente os do sexo masculino. Essa alta incidência tem sido atribuída aos comportamentos próprios da idade, que poderiam levar os jovens a transgredir leis de trânsito e, conseqüentemente, provocar acidentes. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico, além de caracterizar a exposição e os antecedentes em acidentes de trânsito, dos estudantes universitários de cursos na área da Saúde da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (PR), em 2005. Utilizou-se um questionário auto-respondido, de forma anônima, cuja amostra compreendeu 624 acadêmicos. As variáveis estudadas foram: características demográficas e socioeconômicas, fatores de exposição e experiência no trânsito, uso do cinto de segurança e antecedentes em acidentes de trânsito. O perfil dos estudantes caracterizou-se pela maioria do sexo feminino (66,67 por cento), com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, morando com a família e com renda igual ou inferior a 10 salários mínimos. Quanto à idade de aprendizagem de direção, a maior freqüência no sexo masculino foi entre 15 e 17 anos e no sexo feminino, 18 anos ou mais. Encontrou-se número expressivo de relatos de aprendizagem de direção com menos de 14 anos, em ambos os sexos. A associação do uso do cinto com o lugar ocupado no carro (condutor, passageiro do banco dianteiro e passageiro do banco traseiro), segundo o sexo, revelou que a utilização do dispositivo independe do sexo. A associação entre envolvimento em acidentes de trânsito e sexo indicou pré-disposição do sexo masculino.

The most frequent type of victims in traffic accidents is youngsters, mainly of the masculine sex. This high incidence has been attributed to age-related behaviors that could make youngsters transgress traffic laws and, consequently, provoke accidents. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the socioeconomic and demographic profile, besides characterizing the exposure and antecedents in traffic accidents, of college students of Health courses of the State University of Ponta Grossa - PR, in 2005. A questionnaire, answered by the students anonymously, was used, whose sample included 624 academics. The studied variables were: demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, exposure factors and experience in the traffic, use of the seat belt and antecedents in traffic accidents. The students' profile was characterized as follows: the majority is of the female sex (66.67 percent), with ages ranging between 18 and 23 years, living with the family and with income equal to or below 10 minimum wages. In relation to the age they learned how to drive, the largest frequency in the masculine sex was between 15 and 17 years and in the feminine sex, 18 years or above. A significant number of subjects, from both sexes, reported having learned to drive when they were less than 14 years of age. The association between the use of the belt and the place occupied in the car (driver, passenger of the front seat and passenger of the back seat), according to the sex, revealed that the use of the device does not depend on the sex. The association between involvement in traffic accidents and sex indicated a predisposition in the masculine sex.