Applying a Health Equity Lens to Work-Related Motor Vehicle Safety in the United States.

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of fatal work-related injuries in the United States. Research assessing sociodemographic risk disparities for work-related MVCs is limited, yet structural and systemic inequities at work and during commutes likely contribute to disproportionate MVC risk. This paper summarizes the literature on risk disparities for work-related MVCs by sociodemographic and employment characteristics and identifies worker populations that have been largely excluded from previous research. The social-ecological model is used as a framework to identify potential causes of disparities at five levels-individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy. Expanded data collection and analyses of work-related MVCs are needed to understand and reduce disparities for pedestrian workers, workers from historically marginalized communities, workers with overlapping vulnerabilities, and workers not adequately covered by employer policies and safety regulations. In addition, there is a need for more data on commuting-related MVCs in the United States. Inadequate access to transportation, which disproportionately affects marginalized populations, may make travel to and from work less safe and limit individuals' access to employment. Identifying and remedying inequities in work-related MVCs, whether during the day or while commuting, will require the efforts of industry and multiple public sectors, including public health, transportation, and labor.

Collision risk assessment between aircraft and obstacles in the areas surrounding airports.

The topographical features of a site and the anthropogenic artefacts inside and outside the airport boundaries influence the infrastructure use. Objects penetrating the obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) or standing outside those surfaces have to be mapped and risk-assessed because they could be a hazard to air navigation. This study aims to quantify the risk of collision between aircraft and obstacles in the airspace. There are no available procedures in the literature: the authors supposed that the obstacle type and the examined OLS affect the collision risk. The proposed risk values and amplification factors derive from interviews with technicians. The methodology has been implemented in an existing airport with 589 penetrating obstacles: the results highlight that 69.8% of obstacles imply a negligible risk, and 3.7% require further analyses by the competent aviation authority. In this study, buildings and pylons penetrating the Transitional Surface are the most hazardous obstacles.

When public health crises collide: 5 years of pediatric firearm injury prevention opportunities.

Objectives: Prior publications on pediatric firearm-related injuries have emphasized significant social disparities. The pandemic has heightened a variety of these societal stresses. We sought to evaluate how we must now adapt our injury prevention strategies. Patients and methods: Firearm-related injuries in children 15 years old and under at five urban level 1 trauma centers between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, Injury Severity Score, situation, timing of injury around school/curfew, and mortality were evaluated. Medical examiner data identified additional deaths. Results: There were 615 injuries identified including 67 from the medical examiner. Overall, 80.2% were male with median age of 14 years (range 0-15; IQR 12-15). Black children comprised 77.2% of injured children while only representing 36% of local schools. Community violence (intentional interpersonal or bystander) injuries were 67.2% of the cohort; 7.8% were negligent discharges; and 2.6% suicide. Median age for intentional interpersonal injuries was 14 years (IQR 14-15) compared with 12 years (IQR 6-14, p<0.001) for negligent discharges. Far more injuries were seen in the summer after the stay-at-home order (p<0.001). Community violence and negligent discharges increased in 2020 (p=0.004 and p=0.04, respectively). Annual suicides also increased linearly (p=0.006). 5.5% of injuries were during school; 56.7% after school or during non-school days; and 34.3% were after legal curfew. Mortality rate was 21.3%. Conclusions: Pediatric firearm-related injuries have increased during the past 5 years. Prevention strategies have not been effective during this time interval. Prevention opportunities were identified specifically in the preteenage years to address interpersonal de-escalation training, safe handling/storage, and suicide mitigation. Efforts directed at those most vulnerable need to be reconsidered and examined for their utility and effectiveness. Level of evidence: Level III; epidemiological study type.

A segurança do paciente e a avaliação do risco de quedas / Patient safety and fall-risk assessment / Seguridad del paciente y evaluación de riesgo de caída

Objetivo: Avaliar os pacientes hospitalizados quanto ao risco de quedas. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado por meio da aplicação da escala de Morse e registros de prontuários. Realizou-se estatísticas descritivas e Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, adotando-se o nível de 5%. Resultados: Dos 244 participantes, 139 (57%) eram do sexo masculino, 86 (47,5%) idosos, 116 (47,5%) com companheiro, 112 (45,9%) pardos e 173 (70,9%) com baixa escolaridade. O risco de quedas foi associado ao histórico de quedas (p=0,000), diagnóstico secundário (p<0,001), deambulação (p=0,002), marcha (p<0,001) e estado mental (p<0,000). A maioria dos entrevistados 194 (79,5%) estão sob um risco moderado a alto de sofrer quedas da própria altura 37 (15,2%), ocorridas no quarto ou na enfermaria 38 (15,6%). Conclusão: Observou-se um risco moderado a alto para quedas nos pacientes hospitalizados, o que aponta para a necessidade de implementação de políticas de segurança do paciente para garantir a qualidade da assistência. (AU)

Objective: Assess hospitalized patients for the risk of falls. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out through the application of the Morse scale and medical records. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test were performed, adopting the 5% level. Results: Of the 244 participants, 139 (57%) were male, 86 (47.5%) elderly, 116 (47.5%) with a partner, 112 (45.9%) brown and 173 (70.9%) with low education level. The risk of falls was associated with a history of falls (p = 0.000), secondary diagnosis (p <0.001), walking (p = 0.002), gait (p <0.001) and mental status (p <0.000). Most respondents 194 (79.5%) are at moderate to high risk of suffering falls from their own height 37 (15.2%), in their bedroom or in the ward 38 (15.6%). Conclusion: There was a moderate to high risk for falls in hospitalized patients, which points to the need of implementing patient safety policies in order to guarantee quality of care. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar a los pacientes hospitalizados por el riesgo de caídas. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado a través de la aplicación de la escala Morse y registros médicos. Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas y la prueba de Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, adoptando el nivel del 5%. Resultados: De los 244 participantes, 139 (57%) eran hombres, 86 (47.5%) ancianos, 116 (47.5%) con una pareja, 112 (45.9%) marrones y 173 (70.9%) con baja educacion. El riesgo de caídas se asoció con antecedentes de caídas (p = 0.000), diagnóstico secundario (p <0.001), caminar (p = 0.002), marcha (p <0.001) y estado mental (p <0.000). La mayoría de los encuestados 194 (79.5%) tienen un riesgo moderado a alto de sufrir caídas desde su propia altura 37 (15.2%), ocurriendo en el dormitorio o en la sala 38 (15.6%). Conclusión: Hubo un riesgo moderado a alto de caídas en pacientes hospitalizados, lo que apunta a la necesidad de implementar políticas de seguridad del paciente para garantizar la calidad de la atención. (AU)

Language of violence: Do words matter more than we think?

Firearm violence is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young adults. Identification of intervention targets is crucial to developing and implementing effective prevention efforts. Hospital Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs) have used a multiprong social care approach to mediate the cycle of interpersonal violence. One struggle continually encountered is how to change the conversation around the future. Speech patterns have been associated with health outcomes and overall behavior modification. During violence prevention efforts, young victims of violence say things such as 'I'm living on borrowed time' and 'why should I worry about getting an education when I'll likely die soon anyway?' Such speech patterns may contribute to the cycle of violence and increase the likelihood of reinjury. Presented is a narrative review of the impact language has on health outcomes and how psychotherapy may be able to change thought patterns, alter language structure, and ultimately reduce risk of reinjury. The biopsychosocial model of health posits that a person's health is dictated by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. By understanding that language exists in the personal context, it can serve as both an indicator and a tool for targeted interventions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works by retraining thought and speech patterns to affect change in emotion, physiology, and behavior. It is proposed here that CBT could be used in the HVIPs' multidisciplinary case management model by involving trained psychotherapists. Language is an important indicator of a patient's psychological state and approach to life-changing decisions. As such, language alteration through CBT could potentially be used as a novel method of injury prevention. This concept has not before been explored in this setting and may be an effective supplement to HVIPs' success.

A decade of hospital costs for firearm injuries in the United States by region, 2005-2015: government healthcare costs and firearm policies.

Background: Firearm injuries are a costly, national public health emergency, and government-sponsored programs frequently pay these hospital costs. Understanding regional differences in firearm injury burden may be useful for crafting appropriate policies, especially with widely varying state gun laws. Objective: To estimate the volume of, and hospital costs for, fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries from 2005 to 2015 for each region of the United States and analyze the proportionate cost by payer status. Methods: We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify patients admitted for firearm-related injuries from 2005 to 2015. We converted hospitalization charges to costs, which were inflation-adjusted to 2015 dollars. We used survey weights to create regional estimates. We used the Brady Gun Law to determine significance between firearm restrictiveness and firearm hospitalizations by region. Results: There were a total of 317 479 firearm related admissions over the study period: 52 829 (16.66%), 66 671 (21.0%), 134 008 (42.2%), and 63 972 (20.2%) for the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West respectively, demonstrating high regional variability. In the Northeast, hospital costs were $1.98 billion (13.9% of total), of which 56.0% was covered by government payers; for the Midwest, costs were $153 billion (19.7% of total), 40.4% of which was covered by government payers; in the South costs were highest at $3.2 billion (41.4% of total), but government payers only covered 34.3%; and costs for the West were $1.94 billion (25.0% of total), with government programs covering 41.6% of the cost burden. Conclusions: Hospital admissions and costs for firearm injuries demonstrated wide variation by region, suggesting opportunities for financial savings. As government insurance programs cover 41.5% of costs, tax dollars heavily subsidize the financial burden of firearm injuries and cost recovery options for treating residents injured by firearms should be considered. Injury control strategies have not been well applied to this national public health crisis. Level of evidence: Level II, Economic and Value Based Evaluation.

Socioeconomic factors associated with helmet use in pediatric ATV and dirt bike trauma.

Objectives: Recreational off-road vehicle crashes can produce severe injury and death among children, often from head trauma sustained while riding unhelmeted. Although required for competition, recreational riders commonly forego helmets. This study aimed to identify socioeconomic factors associated with unhelmeted injuries among children riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes recreationally, thus informing injury prevention efforts. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of patients younger than 18 years who presented after recreational ATV or dirt bike crash to a single American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 pediatric trauma center (2010-2019). Demographic, injury, and outcome data were collected. US Census data regarding median and per capita income, poverty prevalence, and scholastic graduation rates were recorded for each patient's home county. Relationships between helmet use at the time of injury, demographics, and socioeconomic variables were examined. Results: The cohort comprised 680 injured recreational ATV (n=510; 75%) and dirt bike (170; 25%) riders. Unhelmeted riders (n=450) were significantly older (median age 13 vs 11 years; p=0.008) and more often rode ATVs (n=399). Significantly greater percentages of females (77.9%; p<0.001) and passengers (89.5%; p<0.001) were unhelmeted at the time of injury. Residents of counties with lower median and per capita income, higher poverty prevalence, and lower high school and college graduation rates were significantly more likely to be unhelmeted at the time of their crash (p=0.003). In multivariable analysis, unhelmeted injuries were independently associated with ATV use (OR=6.757; p<0.0001), passenger status (OR=6.457; p<0.0001), and older age (OR=1.219; p<0.0001). Conclusion: In children, ATV use, passenger status, and older age associated independently with unhelmeted riding in recreational vehicle crash. Residence in a county with both lower median income and scholastic graduation rates associated with unhelmeted crashes, and lower median income significantly predicted unhelmeted crashes. This study revealed socioeconomic factors that identify communities with greatest need for injury prevention initiatives. Level of evidence: III-retrospective comparative epidemiological study.

Falls - the socio-economic and medical aspects important for developing prevention and treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Although falls occur extremely frequently, they are still one of the least investigated causes of death. According to the World Health Organization, around 37.3 million falls occur globally every year resulting in the deaths of over 660,000 adults and almost 30,000 children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to evaluate the most up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge on falls and their consequences, especially in populations at the highest risk of fatal falls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Currently, there is a limited amount of literature which analyzes falls. Falls affect all age groups, but their location, cause, and severity vary among different populations. Individuals who are particularly at risk of falling at home include younger children and the elderly. Research indicates that falls are one of the main causes of work-related injuries and deaths, especially those occurring at significant heights. Falls in the home environment are the second most common cause of death in over 33% of accidents and the main cause of injury in 41.2% of accidents. During patient hospitalizations, falls generate additional burdens and costs on the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: This review elaborated on the nature of falls in different populations and analyzed the influence falls have on the healthcare system, in society, and on the economy. This knowledge is particularly important in an aging society, which will inevitably face increasing problems due to falls in the near future. As the emphasis on falls increases, leaders and lawmakers will be pushed to establish individualized prevention measures, as described in this review, for specific risk groups to effectively prevent falls and their consequences.

Financial impact of electric scooters: a review of injuries over 27 months at an urban level 1 trauma center (cost of e-scooter injuries at an urban level 1 trauma center).

BACKGROUND: Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become a widespread method of transportation due to convenience and affordability. However, the financial impact of medical care for sustained injuries is currently unknown. The purpose of this study is to characterize total billing charges associated with medical care of e-scooter injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with e-scooter injuries presenting to the trauma bay, emergency department or outpatient clinics at an urban level 1 trauma center was conducted from November 2017 to March 2020. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Primary outcomes of interest were total billing charges and billing to insurance (hospital and professional). Multivariable models were used to identify preventable risk factors associated with higher total billing charges. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were identified consisting of 42 (66.7%) males, average age 40.19 (SD 13.29) years and 3.2% rate of helmet use. Patients sustained orthopedic (29%, n=18), facial (48%, n=30) and cranial (23%, n=15) injuries. The average total billing charges for e-scooter clinical encounters was $95 710 (SD $138 215). Average billing to insurance was $86 376 (SD $125 438) for hospital charges and $9 334 (SD $14 711) for professional charges. There were no significant differences in charges between injury categories. On multivariable regression, modifiable risk factors independently associated with higher total billing charges included any intoxication prior to injury ($231 377 increase, p=0.02), intracranial bleeds ($75 528, p=0.04) and TBI ($360 898, p=0.006). DISCUSSION: Many patients sustain high-energy injuries during e-scooter accidents with significant medical and financial consequences. Further studies may continue expanding the financial impact of e-scooter injuries on both patients and the healthcare system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Riscos ambientais de quedas em idosos atendidos pela equipe de Estratégia Saúde da Família / Environmental risks for falls of elderly attended by the Family Health Strategy team

RESUMO Objetivo analisar o risco ambiental de quedas de idosos residentes em área de abrangência de uma equipe de Estratégia Saúde da Família. Métodos pesquisa transversal, utilizando, como fonte de dados, 80 fichas de avaliação de risco ambiental de quedas em idosos. Os dados colhidos foram transcritos e organizados em uma planilha eletrônica, utilizando o programa Microsoft Excel® e analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados a maioria dos domicílios dos idosos foi classificada como baixo risco para quedas (56,3%) e apresentou, pelo menos, um risco ambiental (94,0%), sendo os mais frequentes encontrados no banheiro (47,5%), na escada (46,2%), e relacionados à iluminação (41,2%). Conclusão observaram-se riscos ambientais em diferentes locais dos domicílios, com destaque para o banheiro, escada e falta de iluminação no quarto, sendo a maioria classificada como baixo risco ambiental para quedas.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the environmental risk for falls among the elderly living in the area covered by a Family Health Strategy team. Methods cross-sectional research, using, as a data source, 80 forms of environmental risk evaluation of elderly falls. The collected data were transcribed and organized in a computerized spreadsheet, using the Microsoft Excel® program, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results most elderly's households were classified as low risk for falls (56.3%) and showed at least one environmental risk (94.0%), being the most frequently found in the bathroom (47.5%), in stairs (46.2%), and associated to light (41.2%). Conclusion environmental risks were observed in different places of the households, highlighting the bathroom, stairs, and little light in the room, most of them being classified as a low environmental risk for falls.

Systematic review of unintentional injury prevention economic evaluations 2010-2019 and comparison to 1998-2009.

BACKGROUND: Health economic evaluation studies (e.g., cost-effectiveness analysis) can provide insight into which injury prevention interventions maximize available resources to improve health outcomes. A previous systematic review summarized 48 unintentional injury prevention economic evaluations published during 1998-2009, providing a valuable overview of that evidence for researchers and decisionmakers. The aim of this study was to summarize the content and quality of recent (2010-2019) economic evaluations of unintentional injury prevention interventions and compare to the previous publication period (1998-2009). METHODS: Peer-reviewed English-language journal articles describing public health unintentional injury prevention economic evaluations published January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 were identified using index terms in multiple databases. Injury causes, interventions, study methods, and results were summarized. Reporting on key methods elements (e.g., economic perspective, time horizon, discounting, currency year, etc.) was assessed. Reporting quality was compared between the recent and previous publication periods. RESULTS: Sixty-eight recent economic evaluation studies were assessed. Consistent with the systematic review on this topic for the previous publication period, falls and motor vehicle traffic injury prevention were the most common study subjects. Just half of studies from the recent publication period reported all key methods elements, although this represents an improvement compared to the previous publication period (25 %). CONCLUSION: Most economic evaluations of unintentional injury prevention interventions address just two injury causes. Better adherence to health economic evaluation reporting standards may enhance comparability across studies and increase the likelihood that this type of evidence is included in decision-making related to unintentional injury prevention.

[Findings from 10 years of CIRS-AINS : An analysis of usepatterns and insights into new challenges]. / Erkenntnisse aus 10 Jahren CIRS­AINS : Eine Analyse von Nutzerverhalten und Ausblick auf neue Herausforderungen.

BACKGROUND: Critical incident reporting systems (CIRS) serve to sensitize organizations and individuals to unknown events relevant to patient safety and therefore help in developing safer systems; however, the use and impact of these systems in healthcare has recently been questioned for a variety of reasons, among them unclear and imprecise reporting criteria. Some authors claim that fundamental aspects of successful CIRS have been misunderstood, misapplied or entirely missed during the adaptation to the healthcare context. The aim of this study was the analysis of all reports accumulated over 10 years in the German system CIRSmedical Anesthesiology (CIRS-AINS) as a basis for improved reporting guidelines, user training and generation of further hypotheses. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis all reports from CIRS-AINS entered between April 2010 and June 2019 were analyzed for structure and content. RESULTS: A total of 6013 reports were filed consisting of 3492 incidents (58.1%), 1734 near misses (28.8%) and 787 others (13.1%). Those other reports contained 21 interpersonal conflicts (0.4%), 102 general complaints (1.7%), 89 stress or workload complaints (1.5%) and 575 reports that did not contain any critical incident or safety-related content (9.6%). Since 2015 these other reports have increased 2.8-fold from 7.4% to 20.8%. Of the reports 20.1% contained information about technical problems and 27.7% about certified medical devices. Medication was mentioned in 10.7% of reports, 47.8% of inpatient incidents concerned the perioperative setting, 24.6% were reported from intensive care units (ICU) and postanesthesia care units (PACU). Of the cases 198 (3.3%) explicitly mentioned communication issues, 346 cases (5.8%) concerned incomplete or inadequate documentation involving orders, blood products or laboratory tests. Of the reports 36.1% were analyzed and commented on by the CIRS team of the German Society of Anesthesiologists (BDA). CONCLUSION: The analysis provides insights into reporting practices and can influence both reporting guidelines as well as user training. Report format, content and context are of utmost importance for further analysis: A distinction has to be made between reports that contain locally rational information and cannot be understood without further context and reports that may help inform about patient safety activities on a national level. Especially in light of the limited resources for incident analysis, the content should be critically reflected upon by the user when submitting a report to support a wise allocation of available capacities. In this respect, the increase of non-CIRS reports has to be considered in the future implementation of nationwide IRS. Also, it has to be questioned whether adequate alternative means of communication for these non-CIRS reports exist. The majority of reports were made by physicians, which is in contrast to international experiences with increased engagement of nursing staff and underlines the need for increased interprofessional collaboration with incident reporting and analysis activities in Germany. Reports containing workload complaints, while constituting important signals on a local level, usually fail to address the idea of learning from others inherent to the philosophy of national IRS.

[Recent trends and challenges for older adults at community sport clubs in Japan: Analysis of FY 2016 Survey Results on Comprehensive Community Sports Clubs].

Objectives　Comprehensive community sports clubs (CCSCs), of which more than 3,500 exist in Japan, have the potential to contribute to healthy aging in older adults, but their effect on this population has not, thus far, been well explored. This study aimed to investigate the current environment affecting seniors at Japanese CCSCs and to examine issues identified by the analysis.Methods　Data were collected from the FY 2016 Survey Results on Comprehensive Community Sports Clubs, conducted by the Japan Sports Agency. A total of 2,444 clubs were divided equally into four groups after calculating the proportion of senior members (ages 60 and over) per total number of members in each club. The groups were then ranked from lowest to highest according to proportion of senior members: Groups A, B, C and D. Additionally, the 2,444 clubs were classified into six regions according to location. Group designation (A to D) and regional classification were used as independent variables. The dependent variables were categorized as follows: basic information (e.g. total number of members), crisis management and accident prevention measures (13 specific items in total), and each club's compliance with legal obligations.Results　Study results revealed that Group D, containing the highest proportion of senior members, had fewer total members, lower monthly membership fees, lower annual club income, less annual club budget apportioned to each member, and fewer instructors than other groups. Regarding crisis management and accident prevention measures, Group D had lower completion rates on 6 items (health certificate submissions, liability insurance enrollment, safety workshop implementation, heatstroke prevention, liaison with healthcare professionals, and AED availability). Group D also showed a lower rate of compliance with legal obligations than other groups. In comparisons between the six regions, the median proportion of senior members was found to be highest in Chugoku-Shikoku and lowest in Chubu, although each median ranged from only 20% to 30%. Regarding crisis management and accident prevention measures, clubs in Kanto region had the highest completion rates for 10 items, whereas clubs in Kinki region had the lowest completion rates for 8 items.Conclusion　The CCSCs with higher proportions of senior members had smaller budgets, fewer members and staff, and delayed implementation of crisis management and accident prevention measures. Regional disparities were also observed both in club scale and management of medical and safety issues. Although our study identified several shortcomings in this area, medical and safety management implementation is an important consideration for CCSCs with high proportions of senior members, as these members are at higher risk for disease and frailty. Affected CCSCs and relevant authorities should therefore acknowledge and address this issue cooperatively.

[Assessment of Time Allocated to Pedestrian Crossing: A Contribution for a More Inclusive Lisbon]. / Avaliação do Tempo Atribuído à Travessia de Peões: Contributo para uma Lisboa Mais Inclusiva.

INTRODUCTION: With progressive ageing of the Portuguese population, it is paramount that the conditions of outdoor accessibility and safety are adapted to this age group. The aim of this study was to assess whether the time allocated to pedestrian crossing in the crosswalks with pedestrian crossing lights between Curry Cabral Hospital and local public transport is enough to allow safe passage of the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 100 ambulatory care patients from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department. All of them answered a questionnaire, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (Portuguese version) and performed a 10-meter walk test. All crosswalks with pedestrian crossing lights between the hospital and local public transport were analyzed, in a total of 26, and the gait speed required to perform a safe crossing was calculated. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 75 years and the majority (73%) were female. The study showed that all patients could safely cross 17 (65%) crosswalks. The nine remaining crosswalks (35%) represented an obstacle to our sample. DISCUSSION: If the required gait speed as currently set in legislation for the disabled was implemented, 99% of the patients would have been able to cross the crosswalks safely. CONCLUSION: It is essential to apply the gait speed set in legislation, since non-compliance endangers elderly patients in Curry Cabral Hospital, increasing the likelihood of accidents and the feeling of insecurity on the streets.

Introdução: Com o envelhecimento progressivo da população portuguesa, é fundamental que as condições de acessibilidade e segurança na via pública estejam adaptadas a este grupo etário. O objectivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o tempo atribuído à travessia de peões nas passadeiras semaforizadas entre o Hospital de Curry Cabral e os transportes públicos locais é suficiente para permitir a travessia dos idosos em segurança.Material e Métodos: Foram avaliados 100 doentes seguidos em consulta externa no Serviço de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação. Todos responderam a um questionário, à escala de confiança no equilíbrio específica da atividade e executaram o teste de marcha de 10 metros. Foram analisadas todas as passadeiras semaforizadas dos percursos de marcha entre o hospital e os transportes públicos locais, num total de 26 e calculada a velocidade de marcha necessária para realizar a travessia das passadeiras em segurança.Resultados: A média de idade dos doentes foi de 75 anos, sendo a maioria do género feminino (73%). Concluímos que todos os doentes conseguem atravessar em segurança 17 (65%) passadeiras, representando as restantes nove (35%) um obstáculo para a nossa amostra.Discussão: Se o valor de velocidade de marcha nas passadeiras estipulado na legislação para os cidadãos com mobilidade condicionada fosse devidamente aplicado, 99% da amostra teria conseguido atravessar as passadeiras em segurança.Conclusão: É fundamental que o valor de velocidade de marcha nas passadeiras estipulado na legislação seja aplicado, pois o seu incumprimento coloca em risco os utentes idosos do Hospital de Curry Cabral, aumentando a probabilidade de acidentes e o sentimento de insegurança na via pública.

Snowboarders' Knowledge of the FIS Rules for Conduct on Ski Slopes.

The objective of the present study is to assess snowboarders' general perceptions of safety and knowledge of existing rules and both active and passive knowledge of the International Ski Federation (FIS) regulations in order to contribute to defining target groups for specific educational interventions in the field of injury prevention. Data were drawn from random interviews conducted with 918 snowboarders during the 2017-2018 winter season at five ski resorts located in the Spanish Pyrenees. To collect the data, a questionnaire assessing personal characteristics (gender, age, origin, and self-reported skill), general perception of safety, general request for rules, and knowledge of existing rules was used. Pearson's Chi-squared tests were performed to compare characteristics between groups. The study revealed, for accident prevention purposes, a concerning lack of general knowledge of existing rules. Risk-inducing situations that could result in severe injuries were largely assessed incorrectly. The appropriate intuitive behavior increases with age and experience: youths and beginners are less able to implement the FIS rules than older and more experienced snowboarders. Stakeholders, such as parents, ski resorts, clubs or schools, should direct educational efforts at high-risk groups. Further research is needed to determine the causal relation between snowboard-related injuries and disregard of FIS rules.

Ocular chemical burns in the workplace: Epidemiological characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies focusing on occupational pathologies can be an important medium through which to bring about change with respect to workplace accidents, both in terms of prevention planning and management as well as the appropriate care following an accident. Ocular chemical burns benefit from urgent attention as, if not treated early and appropriately, the tissue of the eye and its functionality can be seriously compromised. The objective of this study was to collate epidemiological data on workplace ocular chemical burns which could in turn serve to identify key action points in terms of occupational health. METHODS: Cohort study with 604 cases of chemical burns to the eye occurring in the workplace between 2014 and 2015. Criteria inclusion were diagnosis of chemical burn, patient seen at the medical centre of the mutual society, workplace acquired ophthalmic pathology leading to the issuing of a sickness certificate. No exclusion criteria were defined. RESULTS: Ocular chemical burns were the second most common workplace eye injury (12.68%) behind foreign bodies in the eye (43.42%). Men accounted for 68.54% of cases of ocular chemical burns. In around 75% of cases, sickness certification was for less than 7 days, although 6 patients suffered permanent disability. The occupational sector which was most affected particularly the industry service industry. The economic costs with these workplace injuries were extracted. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate early medical assistance is essential. The production and distribution of clinical guides for health care workers could optimise first line assistance and mitigate possible training deficiencies.

Workers' Health in Brazil: Accidents recorded by Social Security from 2008 to 2014 / La Salud del Trabajador en Brasil: Accidentes registrados por el Seguro Social de 2008 a 2014 / A Saúde do Trabalhador no Brasil: Acidentes registrados pela Previdência Social de 2008 a 2014

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the incidence of occupational accidents in Brazil, recorded by Social Security according to the geographic regions, age group, gender and their prevalence according to the causes and branch of economic activity. Methods: ecological descriptive study with time series analysis from 2008 to 2014. Data on the beginning and end of the historical series were compared in each ecological unit studied. Results: the South and Southeast regions, male, between 20 and 49 years of age presented the highest falls in incidence. 70.87% of the causes occurred in group XIX of ICD-10. The economic activity with the highest prevalence of accidents was the manufacturing industry. Conclusions: accidents at work have decreased in Brazil, however, the incidence is still high. Advances need to be made in the recording of accidents and in the prevention and surveillance of workers' health.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la incidencia de los accidentes de trabajo en Brasil, registrados por la Seguro Social, según las regiones geográficas, grupo de edad, sexo y su prevalencia de acuerdo con las causas y rama de actividad económica. Métodos: estudio descriptivo ecológico con análisis de serie temporal en el período de 2008 a 2014. Los datos del inicio y del final de la serie histórica se compararon en cada unidad ecológica estudiada. Resultados: las regiones Sur y Sudeste, el sexo masculino, el grupo de edad entre 20 y 49 años presentaron las mayores caídas de las incidencias. El 70,87% de las causas ocurrieron en el grupo XIX de la CID-10. La actividad económica con mayor prevalencia de accidentes fue la industria de transformación. Conclusiones: los accidentes de trabajo disminuyeron en Brasil, sin embargo, la incidencia aún es alta. Se necesitan avances en el registro de los accidentes y en las acciones de prevención y de vigilancia a la salud del trabajador.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a incidência dos acidentes de trabalho no Brasil registrados pela Previdência Social, segundo as regiões geográficas, faixa etária, sexo e sua prevalência, de acordo com as causas e o ramo de atividade econômica. Métodos: estudo descritivo ecológico, com análise de série temporal no período de 2008 a 2014. Os dados do início e do final da série histórica foram comparados em cada unidade ecológica estudada. Resultados: as regiões Sul e Sudeste, o sexo masculino, a faixa etária entre 20 e 49 anos apresentaram as maiores quedas das incidências. 70,87% das causas ocorreram no grupo XIX da CID-10. A atividade econômica com maior prevalência de acidentes foi a indústria de transformação. Conclusões: os acidentes de trabalho diminuíram no Brasil, mas sua incidência ainda é alta. São necessários avanços no registro dos acidentes e nas ações de prevenção e vigilância à saúde do trabalhador.

Epiemiologic Features and Hospitalization Cost of Burn Injuries in Iran Based on National Burn Registry; a Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Burn is one of the most common causes of injury in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiologic features and cost of hospitalization associated with burn injuries in Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the data related to hospitalized burn cases in 2017 were obtained from the office of curative affairs in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran and analyzed regarding the epidemiologic features and hospitalization costs. RESULTS: 35933 hospitalized burn patients, from the beginning to the end of 2017, with the mean age of 29.37 ± 21.41 (1 - 99) years were studied (59.4% male). Scald burns (49.4%) were the most prevalent type of burns and 30.3% of burns occurred in spring. The most frequent severity of burn injury was second-degree burns (69.3%) with 1-20 percent involvement of body's surface area (74.7%). Frequency of scald burn was higher in females, while the frequency of flame was higher in males. Total hospitalization cost of studied cases was 66910.22 $. In male patients, the highest average direct cost was related to electrical burns; while in females, the highest average direct cost was related to chemical burns. Higher degrees and percentages of burn injuries required a more costly treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Burn injuries most frequently happened in males, ages < 10 years, spring season, and with scald and flame. The most frequent injuries were second-degree burns with 1% - 20% body surface involvement. The highest direct hospitalization cost was related to chemical and electrical burns. There was a direct correlation between the degree and percentage of burn and the hospitalization costs.

Evaluación funcional del adulto mayor en la comunidad / Functional assessment of older adults

RESUMEN Introducción: el estado funcional en las diferentes edades es el resultante de la interacción de los elementos biológicos, psicológicos y sociales, es probable que constituya el reflejo más fiel de la integridad del individuo a lo largo del proceso de envejecimiento. Objetivo: evaluar el estado funcional de adultos mayores pertenecientes al consultorio médico número cinco del Policlínico Universitario Hermanos Cruz, municipio Pinar del Río en el año 2017. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal con un universo de 151 adultos mayores y una muestra aleatoria simple de 110 adultos mayores, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos. Para la recogida de la información se utilizaron las historias de salud familiar e individuales, también se aplicó un cuestionario con consentimiento aprobado, basado en la Escala Geriátrica de Evaluación Funcional, así como en el Índice de Actividades Básicas de la Vida Diaria, de Katz y la Escala de Actividades Instrumentadas de la Vida Diaria de Lawton-Brody. La información fue procesada y expuesta en tablas, se utilizó el porciento como medida de resumen. Resultados: predominó el grupo de edades de 60 a 64 años y del sexo femenino, prevaleció la familia extensa con un 70 %, la hipertensión arterial (73,6 %) resultó el antecedente patológico prevalente. Conclusiones: la evaluación funcional de los ancianos permitirá trazar estrategias encaminadas a mejorar la calidad de vida de este importante segmento poblacional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the functional status at different ages is the result of the interaction of biological, psychological and social elements; it is probably the most accurate indicator of the wellbeing of the individual throughout the aging process. Objective: to assess the functional status of the older adults belonging to the No-5 Doctor's Office at Hermanos Cruz Polyclinic, Pinar del Río municipality in 2017. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with a target group comprising 151 older adults and a simple random sample of 110 who met the inclusion criteria, applying theoretical and empirical methods. To collect the information, family and individual health histories were analyzed. A questionnaire was also applied, always considering the voluntary nature and acceptance of the people included in the research, based on the Geriatric Functional Assessment Scale (GFAS), as well as on the Katz Index of Basic Activities of Daily Life (BAODL) and the Lawton-Brody Scale of Instrumented Activities of Daily Life. Results: the age group from 60 to 64 years (28,1 %), and female gender (54,5 %) predominated, extended family pattern prevailed (70 %), hypertension prevailed (73,6 %) resulted in the prevailing pathological antecedent. Conclusions: functional assessment of older adults will allow establishing strategies to improve the quality of life of this important group of population.

Unsafe storage of household medicines: results from a cross-sectional study of four-year-olds from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort (Brazil).

BACKGROUND: Unintentional child poisoning represents a significant public health problem across the globe, placing a substantial burden on health services emergency departments. Around the world, every year, thousands of children die as a result of physical injuries, most of which involve children under 5 years old. Medicines are the main products involved in poisoning, and children under 5 years old are the most vulnerable age group. The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of unsafe storage of medicines in households with a 4-year-old child. METHODS: We used data from the follow-up of 4-year-old in the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study in Brazil (N = 3799). "Unsafe storage" was considered present when medicines were stored unlocked and within reach of children (at a height below the eye level of the average adult). Independent variables included maternal and family socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the child's health care. All information was collected during household interviews with the mothers using a standardized questionnaire. The overall prevalence rate with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the prevalence associated with various independent variables were determined. RESULTS: The storage of medicines in unlocked areas was reported by 80.9% of the mothers, and, within reach of children for 26.5%. The overall prevalence rate of unsafe storage of medicines was 21.4% (20.1-22.7%). The main storage locations used were the kitchen (57.0%) and bedroom (53.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that medicines were unsafely stored in a 21.4% number of homes, which can contribute to the vulnerability of children to poisoning from medicines. To minimize this risk, education about the safe storage of medicines should be reinforced by health professionals.