Motor Vehicle Driving-Related Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With Defibrillators.

BACKGROUND: Reducing anxiety about motor vehicle driving in patients receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillators is important not only for improving quality of life but also for preventing vehicle collisions owing to driver distraction. This study aimed to clarify the driving-related anxiety of patients with these defibrillators and the factors that predict such anxiety. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire of patients who had been driving a vehicle after device implantation at a general hospital between August 2018 and November 2019. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.8 ± 12.6 years. The reasons for implantation were primary prevention in 47 patients and secondary prevention in 30 patients. A total of 16 patients experienced anxiety about driving and 61 did not. Significantly more younger patients (mean age of 50.4 vs. 63.6 years, p < 0.001) and those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators had anxiety (100% vs. 73.8%, p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis indicated that age was the only independent factor that predicted driving-related anxiety (odds ratio, 0.937; 95% confidence interval, 0.883-0.993). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and addressing driving-related anxiety in patients (particularly young patients) with defibrillators is important in preventing motor vehicle collisions and improving quality of life.

Benchmarking 2D Multi-Object Detection and Tracking Algorithms in Autonomous Vehicle Driving Scenarios.

Self-driving vehicles must be controlled by navigation algorithms that ensure safe driving for passengers, pedestrians and other vehicle drivers. One of the key factors to achieve this goal is the availability of effective multi-object detection and tracking algorithms, which allow to estimate position, orientation and speed of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. The experimental analyses conducted so far have not thoroughly evaluated the effectiveness of these methods in road driving scenarios. To this aim, we propose in this paper a benchmark of modern multi-object detection and tracking methods applied to image sequences acquired by a camera installed on board the vehicle, namely, on the videos available in the BDD100K dataset. The proposed experimental framework allows to evaluate 22 different combinations of multi-object detection and tracking methods using metrics that highlight the positive contribution and limitations of each module of the considered algorithms. The analysis of the experimental results points out that the best method currently available is the combination of ConvNext and QDTrack, but also that the multi-object tracking methods applied on road images must be substantially improved. Thanks to our analysis, we conclude that the evaluation metrics should be extended by considering specific aspects of the autonomous driving scenarios, such as multi-class problem formulation and distance from the targets, and that the effectiveness of the methods must be evaluated by simulating the impact of the errors on driving safety.

An Adaptive Multi-Dimensional Vehicle Driving State Observer Based on Modified Sage-Husa UKF Algorithm.

An accurate vehicle driving state observer is a necessary condition for a safe automotive electronic control system. Vehicle driving state observer is challenged by unknown measurement noise and transient disturbances caused by complex working conditions and sensor failure. For the classical adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) algorithm, transient disturbances will cause the failure of state estimation and affect the subsequent process. This paper proposes an AUKF based on a modified Sage-Husa filter and divergence calculation technique for multi-dimensional vehicle driving state observation. Based on the seven-degrees-of-freedom vehicle model and the Dugoff tire model, the proposed algorithm corrects the measurement noise by using modified Sage-Husa maximum posteriori. To reduce the influence of transient disturbance on the subsequent process, covariance matrix is updated after divergence is detected. The effectiveness of the algorithm is tested on the double lane change and Sine Wave road conditions. The robustness of the algorithm is tested under severe transient disturbance. The results demonstrate that the modified Sage-Husa UKF algorithm can accurately detect transient disturbance and effectively reduce the resulted accumulated error. Compared to classical AUKF, our algorithm significantly improves the accuracy and robustness of vehicle driving state estimation. The research in this paper provides a reference for multi-dimensional data processing under changeable vehicle driving states.

Does driving using a Green Beacon reduce emergency response times in a rural setting?

INTRODUCTION: Green Beacons are used by many doctors across the UK when responding to emergencies, particularly in rural areas. These are used to alert other road users to the doctor's urgent need to reach a destination, with the hope that members of the public will make provisions for the doctor to make progress unhindered. While such warning lights have been used for many years, there is a paucity of research into the safety and efficacy of their use. This pilot study aimed to explore whether the use of Green Beacons does lead to reduced response times in rural areas of Scotland, and recorded any accidents occurring during such emergency response journeys. METHODS: A repeated measures design was devised to investigate this question. The response times and distances travelled for 10 consecutive emergency journeys undertaken by a rural primary care and prehospital doctor during the winter of 2019 using Green Beacons were recorded. The same journeys were then repeated, at a later date by the same driver, under normal driving conditions, with no Green Beacon use. Travel times were compared for both journey types. RESULTS: Travel times were on average 4 minutes shorter when responding using Green Beacons (range 0-13 minutes), with statistically significantly faster average speeds during the emergency response journeys. There was a trend towards higher average speed with longer journeys. No accidents occurred during either type of journey. CONCLUSION: The use of Green Beacons when responding to emergencies in rural Scotland appears to reduce journey times and appears safe in this exploratory work. This is in keeping with other researchers' work into the use of blue and red emergency vehicle lighting, and does not dissuade from continuation of current practice among doctors in the UK. Further research in this area would benefit from a larger dataset, and quantitative time-motion data from the vehicles involved.

Are the Benefits of a High-Emission Vehicle Driving Area Restriction Policy Greater than the Costs?

China implemented a vehicle driving area restriction policy to control air pollution by delimiting a no-driving area for high-emission vehicles (HEVs). Current academic research does not evaluate the benefits and costs of this policy based on vehicle level and lacks evidence at the regional level. Therefore, a cost-benefit analysis method is developed to evaluate the benefits and the costs of this policy, based on 2.128 million HEVs in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region from 2008 to 2015. The benefits, the costs, and net benefits of this policy were CNY 98.49, CNY 5.80 and CNY 92.69 billion. The cost-benefit ratios of the BTH region, Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei were 1:16.98, 1:20.88, 1:14.52 and 1:16.55, respectively. Beijing's cost-benefit ratio was the maximum at the city scale. This work can provide scientific support for promoting driving area restriction policies on older gasoline vehicles and older diesel vehicles, the improvement of cost-benefit analysis and efficient decision-making for the Chinese government.

Surgical site, gender, and place of residence influence the time to resume driving after total joint arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: For a large proportion of the population, especially those residing in the countryside, the use of a car for daily activities is indispensable. Following a TKA or THA procedure, the overseeing physician will usually recommend refraining from driving, sometimes up to 12 weeks after surgery with a major social and economical impact on patient's life. OBJECTIVE: Considering the legal stipulations in Germany regarding fitness to drive a motor vehicle, the aim of this study is to determine the time point when patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) take up driving again postoperatively. Further, we assessed the replaced joint, side, gender, place of residence and physician's recommendations influencing the patient in making the decision to start driving again. METHODS: 92 eligible participants, contained within the frame of a prospective experimental observational study, were contacted via telephone 12 weeks after surgery and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The answers were statistically analysed using SPSS® Version 26 for Windows. RESULTS: Male participants resumed driving between the 6th and 7th week post-surgery, female participants resumed driving between the 8th and 9th week post-surgery. For 58.6% of patients the reason for the first post-operative use of a vehicle was medical: the journey to physical therapy or to a doctor's appointment. There were statistically significant differences regarding operated side, gender and place of residence. TKA impaired patients the most. Patients recovering from a TKA drove considerably later. Patients recovering from a right sided TKA had an increased risk (9 times) not to become an "early driver". Female patients who underwent TKA had an increased risk by a factor of 21 of becoming a "late driver". In the ageing population, surgeons, physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals need to consider new approaches in providing options for patients' mobility. Interestingly, there is a different need for early use of own vehicle in rural regions whereas in cities patients start driving later. There are clear differences between gender and surgical site. CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation following a right sided TKA proved a challenge with regard to the reuptake of driving. This should be taken into account when planning the course of therapy for patients who are driving regulary. Female patients could benefit from special training. TRIAL REGISTRATION: retrospectively registered, DRKS00018693 https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial . HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00018693.

Cannabis and Driving.

As more states in the U.S legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis, rates of driving under the influence of this drug are increasing significantly. Aspects of this emerging public health issue potentially pit science against public policy. The authors believe that the legal cart is currently significantly ahead of the scientific horse. Issues such as detection procedures for cannabis-impaired drivers, and use of blood THC levels to gauge impairment, should rely heavily on current scientific knowledge. However, there are many, often unacknowledged research gaps in these and related areas, that need to be addressed in order provide a more coherent basis for public policies. This review focuses especially on those areas. In this article we review in a focused manner, current information linking cannabis to motor vehicle accidents and examine patterns of cannabis-impairment of driving related behaviors, their time courses, relationship to cannabis dose and THC blood levels, and compare cannabis and alcohol-impaired driving patterns directly. This review also delves into questions of alcohol-cannabis combinations and addresses the basis for of per-se limits in cannabis driving convictions. Finally, we distinguish between areas where research has provided clear answers to the above questions, areas that remain unclear, and make recommendations to fill gaps in current knowledge.

Hazard perception of stroke drivers in a video-based Japanese hazard perception task.

Objective: Hazard perception (HP) is the ability to identify a hazardous situation while driving. Though HP has been well studied among neurologically intact populations, little is known about the HP of neurologically impaired populations (in this study, stroke patients). The purpose of this study is, first, to investigate the HP of stroke patients and, second, to verify the effect of lesion side (right or left hemisphere) on HP, from the viewpoint of hazard types. Methods: Sixty-seven neurologically intact age-matched older drivers and 63 stroke patients with valid driver's licenses conducted a video-based Japanese HP task. Participants were asked to indicate the hazardous events in the driving scenario. These events were classified into 3 types: (1) behavioral prediction hazards (BP), which are those where the cause is visible before it becomes a hazard; (2) environmental prediction hazards (EP), which are those where the ultimate hazard may be hidden from view; and (3) dividing and focusing attention hazards (DF), which are those where there is more than one potential hazard to monitor on approach．Participants also took part in the Trail Making Test (TMT) to evaluate visual information processing speed. Results: The results showed that the number of responses was significantly fewer for stroke patients than for age-matched drivers for all hazard types (P < .001), and this difference was not affected by lesion side (P > .05). It was also found that stroke patients showed a slower response time than age-matched drivers only for BP (P < .001). The lesion side did not affect response latency (P > .05). Results of the TMT revealed that age-matched drivers completed the task significantly faster than stroke patients (P < .001) and that neither TMT-A nor TMT-B differentiated between patients with left hemisphere damage and patients with right hemisphere damage (P > .05). Conclusions: Firstly, HP in stroke patients is low compared to age-matched drivers. Secondly, even if stroke patients notice hazards, their response may be delayed in a BP situation, due to a slower visual information processing speed. Thirdly, the lesion side does not appear to affect HP.

Publicações científicas sobre direção veicular por pessoas idosas: revisão de escopo / Scientific publications on driving by older adults: scope review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear evidências científicas nacionais e internacionais sobre a condução veicular por pessoas idosas. Método Revisão de escopo baseada no manual proposto pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Para as buscas foram acessadas as bases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO e a literatura cinzenta, por meio do Google Scholar. Resultados Dos 1.194 estudos encontrados, selecionaram-se 189 artigos submetidos aos critérios de elegibilidade. Os países precursores nas publicações foram Austrália e Estados Unidos, e o ápice das pesquisas ocorreu entre 2013 e 2014. Os participantes dos estudos eram pessoas idosas saudáveis, 63,49% (120); seguidos de 17,46% (33) com doença de Alzheimer; 11,11% (21) com Transtorno Neurocognitivo Leve; 6,88% (13) com doença de Parkinson; e 19,58% (37) com outras comorbidades. Diferentes tipos de intervenções foram identificadas nos estudos, destas, 94,02% (178) avaliaram a eficácia de instrumentos que mensuram a aptidão do motorista idoso. Conclusão Houve predominância de estudos na busca de instrumentos de avaliação que mensurassem a funcionalidade do condutor idoso. Esse fato ratifica a importância de avaliação padronizada, validada e economicamente viável que colabore na identificação do motorista em risco. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de intervenções para a prática da geriatria e gerontologia, por meio de ações para formação de equipe multidisciplinar especializada em condução veicular, de modo a adequar as diretrizes de licenciamento a fim de atender às especificidades dos condutores idosos, considerando os aspectos sociais, econômicos, políticos e educacionais, especialmente nos departamentos de trânsito brasileiro.

Abstract Objective To map national and international scientific evidence regarding driving by older adults. Method Scope review based on the manual proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO databases, and grey literature through Google Scholar. Results Out of 1,194 studies identified, 189 papers meeting eligibility criteria were selected. Pioneering countries in publications were Australia and the United States, with the peak of research occurring between 2013 and 2014. Study participants included healthy older adults (63.49%, 120), followed by those with Alzheimer's disease (17.46%, 33), Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (11.11%, 21), Parkinson's disease (6.88%, 13), and other comorbidities (19.58%, 37). Various interventions were identified, with 94.02% (178) assessing the effectiveness of instruments measuring the fitness of older drivers. Conclusion There was a prevalence of studies aimed at identifying assessment tools to measure the functionality of older drivers. This underscores the importance of standardized, validated, and economically viable assessments that contribute to identifying at-risk drivers. The need for interventions in geriatrics and gerontology was evident, emphasizing the necessity for actions to establish a specialized multidisciplinary team in vehicular driving. This approach seeks to align licensing guidelines with the specific needs of older drivers, taking into account social, economic, political, and educational aspects, particularly within the Brazilian traffic departments.

ADHD, depression, and motor vehicle crashes: A prospective cohort study of continuously-monitored, real-world driving.

ADHD is associated with automobile crashes, traffic fatalities, and serious road trauma, but it is unclear whether this risk is (a) driven by ADHD symptoms specifically, and (b) unique to ADHD or transdiagnostic across psychiatric disabilities, such as depression, that also have concentration problems as core symptoms. The current study provides the first prospective, continuously-monitored evaluation of crash risk related to ADHD symptoms, including the first on-road comparison of ADHD with another high-prevalence psychiatric disability (depression). A probability-based sample of 3226 drivers from six U.S. sites, including subsamples with self-reported ADHD (n = 274) and depression (n = 251), consented to have their vehicles outfitted with sophisticated data acquisition technologies to continuously monitor real-world, day-to-day driving from 'engine-on to engine-off' for 1-2 years (Mean = 440 consecutive days/driver, Mean = 9528 miles/driver). Crashes and near-crashes were objectively identified via software-based algorithms and double-coded manual validation (blinded to clinical status). Miles driven, days monitored, age, gender, education, and marital status were controlled. ADHD symptoms portended 5% increased crash risk per increase in symptom severity score (IRR = 1.05). This risk corresponded to approximately 1 biennial crash and 1 annual near-crash per driver with ADHD; crash risk doubled for drivers reporting ADHD symptom severity near the sample's maximum. Analyses based on self-reported clinical status indicated similarly elevated rates for ADHD (IRR = 1.46) and depression (IRR = 1.34) that may be related, in part, to both groups' inattention/concentration symptoms. Risk was not attenuated by ADHD usual treatment, but varied according to antidepressant medication status. Previous studies have significantly underestimated the risk for traffic crashes conveyed by ADHD and depression.

Assessment for resumed driving in stroke patients via Functional Independence Measure1.

BACKGROUND: Some stroke survivors hope to resume driving after hospital discharge. For those who had driven frequently before their stroke, a normal daily life depends on being able to drive. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores predict patient driving ability, which would make them a suitable index for determining if a stroke patient can resume driving. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 71 patients who suffered from stroke. We divided them into three groups based on their driving status after discharge: (1) resumed driving (Driver), (2) wish to resume driving (Wisher), and (3) no wish to resume driving (Non-wisher). We compared total FIM scores and subcategories of FIM scores across groups. RESULTS: Scores on the Motor-FIM and Cognitive-FIM were highest in the Driver group, followed by the Wisher and Non-wisher groups. Moreover, scores on the 'problem solving' and 'memory' subcategories of the Cognitive-FIM were significantly higher in the Driver group than in the Wisher group. CONCLUSIONS: The FIM could be a useful assessment tool for determining whether or not stroke patients can resume driving. Moreover, among the Cognitive-FIM sub-categories, problem solving and memory ability might be the scores most relevant for this decision.

Acute Aortic Dissection Occurring "Behind The Wheel", Report of 11 Cases.

We investigated the clinical picture of non-traumatic acute aortic dissection (AAD) occurring behind the wheel. Between 1990 and 2014, AAD had occurred in 11 patients while driving (nine men, mean age; 58.3 years, seven commercial drivers). The symptoms included chest and/or back pain (n = 9) and syncope (n = 2). One patient with syncope caused a traffic accident. Ten patients had type A dissection (DeBakey type I) and 1 type B dissection. In-hospital mortality was 9.9% (1/11). Our data showed if affected drivers are transported to a hospital in a timely fashion, a good surgical outcome can be expected.

Non-frail elderly people and their license to drive motor vehicles / Ancianos no frágiles y la habilitación para conducir vehículos automotores / Idosos não frágeis e a habilitação para dirigir veículos automotores

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyse the link between the non-frailty condition and the results of driving license for elderly people to drive motor vehicles. Method: cross-sectional study with data collection in the sample period from August 2015 to March 2016. Study performed with 347 elderlies (≥60 years). Results: 180 (51.9%) of the participants were classified as non-frail. 48 (26.7%) of them were considered capable to drive, 121 (67.2%) capable to drive with restrictions and 11 (6.1%) temporarily uncapable. No significant relation was found between the non-frailty conditions and the results of the motor vehicles driving license study (p=0.557). Conclusion: The absence of physical frailty does not necessarily points out that the elderly are able to drive motor vehicles. Tracking the frailty subsidizes preventive interventions, which seek to interfere positively in the act of driving. This is an unprecedented study in nursing and it highlights an essential field for the performance of gerontological nursing.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre la condición de no fragilidad física y los resultados de la habilitación de ancianos para conducir vehículos automotores. Método: estudio transversal con recolección de datos en el período de muestreo de agosto de 2015 a marzo de 2016 y realizado con 347 ancianos (≥60 años). Resultados: De los participantes, 180 (51,9%) fueron clasificados como no frágiles. De estos, 48 (26,7%) fueron considerados aptos para conducir, 121 (67,2%) aptos con restricción y 11 (6,1%) inaptos temporalmente. No hubo asociación significativa entre la condición de no fragilidad física y los resultados de la habilitación para conducir vehículos automotores (p=0,557). Conclusión: La ausencia de fragilidad física no indica necesariamente que el anciano está apto para conducir vehículos automotores. El rastreo de la fragilidad subsidia intervenciones preventivas, que apuntan a interferir de manera positiva en el acto de conducir. El estudio es inédito en la enfermería y apunta un local indispensable para la actuación de la enfermería gerontológica.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a associação entre a condição de não fragilidade física e os resultados da habilitação dos idosos para dirigir veículos automotores. Método: estudo transversal com coleta de dados no período amostral de agosto de 2015 a março de 2016 e realizado com 347 idosos (≥60 anos). Resultados: dos participantes, 180 (51,9%) foram classificados como não frágeis. Destes, 48 (26,7%) foram considerados aptos para dirigir, 121 (67,2%) aptos com restrição e 11 (6,1%) inaptos temporariamente. Não houve associação significativa entre a condição de não fragilidade física e os resultados da habilitação para dirigir veículos automotores (p=0,557). Conclusão: a ausência de fragilidade física não indica, necessariamente, que o idoso está apto para dirigir veículos automotores. O rastreamento da fragilidade subsidia intervenções preventivas, que visam interferir de maneira positiva no ato de dirigir. O estudo é inédito na enfermagem e aponta um local indispensável para atuação da enfermagem gerontológica.

Prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão em trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano no Brasil / Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in urban public transport workers in Brazil

Contexto: Os trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano têm grande importância social nas cidades. Estão expostos a condições de trabalho que causam adoecimento, ganhando destaque as doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Caracterizar a produção científica sobre prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão em trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano no Brasil. Métodos: Revisão integrativa realizada em abril e maio de 2016, nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, cujo acesso se deu por meio da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, com a utilização dos descritores: hipertensão; pressão arterial alta; doenças cardiovasculares; saúde do trabalhador; epidemiologia; fatores de risco; e da palavra-chave "motoristas de ônibus". Foram selecionados artigos publicados entre 2002 e 2016, em português, totalizando 13 trabalhos. Resultados: A maioria dos estudos era do tipo transversal, publicada em 2006, conduzida na Região Sudeste do Brasil. As prevalências da hiper-tensão variaram entre 5,7 e 49,2%. Os fatores associados encontrados foram: obesidade; problemas psiquiátricos menores; baixo consumo de sal; consumo de gordura animal; idade acima de 46 anos; e vibração no ônibus. Conclusão: A produção científica acerca do tema é restrita, reforçando a necessidade de aprofundamento no assunto. As prevalências encontradas, por vezes, foram alarmantes. Destacaram-se fatores associados relativos ao estilo de vida e trabalho, características do indivíduo e aqueles ligados diretamente ao posto de trabalho. Considerar a hipertensão como um fator ligado ao trabalho nessa classe ocupacional é importante, evidenciando a necessidade de instituir um programa permanente de melhoria da organização do trabalho para promover saúde.

Background: Urban public transport workers have major social relevance in cities. These workers are exposed to work conditions that cause illness, cardiovascular diseases in particular. Aim: To characterize the scientific literature on the prevalence of and factors associated with hypertension in urban public transport workers in Brazil. Methods: Integrative review conducted in April and May 2016 in databases Scientific Electronic Library Online and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, accessed via Virtual Health Library, using the following keywords: hypertension; high blood pressure; cardiovascular diseases; occupational health; epidemiology; risk factors; and "bus drivers" in Portuguese. Studies published in Portuguese from 2002 to 2016 were selected, resulting 13 articles. Results: Most of the studies had cross-sectional design, had been published in 2006 and conducted in the Southeastern region of Brazil. The prevalence of hypertension ranged from 5.7 to 49.2%. The associated factors found included: obesity; minor psychiatric disorders; low salt consumption; consumption of animal fat; age over 46 years old; and bus vibration. Conclusion: The scientific literature on the analyzed subject is scant, which reinforces the need for more thorough studies. The prevalence rates found were sometimes alarming. Lifestyle and individual work characteristics, as well as factors directly related to work stood out. Considering hypertension as a work-related factor is relevant for this class of workers, emphasizing the need to develop a permanent program for work organization improvement to promote their health.

Força de preensão manual: marcador de fragilidade física em idosos submetidos ao exame de aptidão para habilitação veicular / Handgrip strength: marker of physical frailty in the elderly undergoing the aptitude test for vehicle license

Resumo: Estudo do tipo quantitativo de corte transversal, cujo objetivo foi investigar a associação entre a condição de fragilidade física de idosos, determinada pelo marcador força de preensão manual, e os resultados finais do exame de aptidão física e mental para habilitação veicular. O estudo foi realizado em doze clínicas de trânsito credenciadas para habilitação veicular, da cidade de Curitiba/Paraná. A amostra do tipo probabilística foi constituída por 421 idosos, mediante cálculo amostral e o estabelecimento de critérios de inclusão e exclusão. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de janeiro de 2015 a maio de 2016, mediante levantamento de dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, de direção veicular e aplicação dos testes de avaliação do fenótipo de fragilidade física. Os dados foram codificados e organizados em planilha no programa computacional Microsoft Excel® 2007 e efetuada a validação por dupla checagem. As análises foram processadas no software IBM Statistical PacKage for Social Sciences (SPSS), versão 20.0. Os resultados de variáveis quantitativas foram descritos por médias, medianas, valores mínimos e máximos e desvio padrão, e as variáveis qualitativas foram apresentadas em frequências e percentuais. Foram realizadas análises univariadas por meio de teste de quiquadrado, considerando o nível de significância estatística p≤0,05. Quanto às variáveis qualitativas as comparações foram efetivadas pelo teste Exato de Fisher e teste de Qui-quadrado. Para identificar o valor preditivo utilizou-se a análise multivariada e foram ajustados modelos de regressão logística stepwise backward, incluindo inicialmente todas as variáveis que apresentaram p˂0,25 na análise univariada. O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, sob nº833.460. Na amostra constituída por 421 idosos houve predomínio de homens (294; 69,8%), na faixa etária entre 60-69,9 anos (278; 66,0%), com ensino superior completo (160; 38,0%), que trabalham (217; 51,5%), apresentam cognição preservada (249; 59,1%), têm doenças (295; 70,1%) e fazem uso de medicamentos (280; 66,5%). Um percentual de 10,2% dos idosos foi hospitalizado no último ano. Identificaram-se 224 (53,2%) idosos não frágeis e 189 (44,9%) pré-frágeis. O valor médio de Força de Preensão Manual (FPM) encontrado foi 33,7Kgf, os homens com média 37,2 (±7,2) Kgf e as mulheres 25,1(±6,0) Kgf. A condição de fragilidade fisica determinada pelo marcador Força de Preensão Manual não se associou ao resultado final da habilitação veicular (p=0,787). O poder preditivo que considera a Força de Preensão Manual na inaptidão para dirigir foi composto pelas variáveis Força de Preensão Manual inferior a 20Kgf para as mulheres e 30Kgf para os homens, Mini Exame do Estado Mental ≤25 pontos, hospitalização no último ano e escolaridade (ensino primário incompleto ou ensino primário completo e médio incompleto). Conclui-se que não houve evidência de associação significativa entre a FPM, como marcador de fragilidade física, e os resultados dos exames de aptidão física e mental para habilitação veicular. Esse resultado é inquietante, visto que alguns idosos considerados aptos para dirigir, mediante avaliação das clínicas de trânsito, não possuem a FPM necessária para tanto. Espera-se que o presente estudo desperte o interesse dos órgãos de trânsito para a construção de um modelo próprio de avaliação para idosos, com a devida especificidade que o segmento exige. Os resultados fornecem uma contribuição significativa e inédita para os profissionais enfermeiros, uma vez que o contexto da habilitação veicular não era explorado pela enfermagem gerontológica.

Abstract: A quantitative cross-sectional study which aimed to investigate the association between the condition of frailty of the elderly, determined by the Manual Handgrip Strength marker, and the final results of the physical and mental fitness test for vehicular habilitation. The study was carried out in twelve of the official transit clinics for vehicular habilitation in the city of Curitiba/Paraná. The probabilistic type sample consisted of 421 elderly, by means of sample calculation and the establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collection occurred from January 2015 to May 2016, by means of sociodemographic, clinical and vehicular driving data collection, and the application of the physical frailty phenotype evaluation tests. The data was coded and organized into spreadsheets in the Microsoft Excel®2007 computer application and double checked. The analyzes were processed in the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20. The quantitative variables results were described by averages, medians, minimum and maximum values and standard deviations, and the qualitative variables were presented in frequencies and percentages. Univariate analyzes were performed using the chi-square test, considering the level of statistical significance p≤0.05. As for the qualitative variables, the comparisons were carried out using Fisher's Exact test and the Chi-square test. To identify the predictive value, the multivariate analysis was used, and stepwise backward logistic regression models were adjusted, initially including all variables that presented p<0,25 in the univariate analysis. The research project was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee under No. 833460. In the sample constituted by 421 elderly there was a predominance of men (294; 69,8%), in the age range of 60-69 years old (278; 66,0%), with higher education (160; 38,0%), who work (217; 51,5%), who present preserved cognition (249; 59,1%), who have diseases (295; 70,1%) and who use medication (280; 66,5%). A percentage of 10,2% of the elderly were hospitalized in the last year. It was identified 224 (53,2%) non-frail and 189 (44,9%) pre-frail elderly. The Handgrip Strength Marker (HSM) average value found was 33,7Kgf, men averaging 37,2 (±7,2) Kgf and women 25,1(±6,0) Kgf. The condition of frailty determined by the Handgrip Strength Marker wasn't associated to the final result of vehicular habilitation (p=0,787). The predictive power that considers the Handgrip Strength Marker in the inability to drive was composed by the following variables: Handgrip Strength lower than 20Kgf for women and 30Kgf for men, MiniMental State Examination ≤25 points, hospitalization in the last year and education (incomplete primary education or completed primary education but incomplete secondary education). It was concluded that there was no evidence of significant association between HSM, as a physical frailty marker, and the results of the physical and mental fitness tests for vehicular habilitation. This result is disturbing, as some of the elderly considered able to drive, by means of transit clinics evaluation, do not have the HSM required to do so. It is hoped that this study will raise the interest of the traffic agencies to build a proper elderly evaluation model, with the appropriate specificity that such segment demands. The results provide a significant and unprecedented contribution to the nursing professionals, as the vehicular habilitation context wasn't explored by gerontological nursing.

RESUMEN: Estudio del tipo cuantitativo de corte transversal con el objetivo de investigar la asociacion entre la condicion de fragilidad fisica de ancianos, determinada por el marcador fuerza de prension manual, y los resultados finales del examen de aptitud fisica y mental para permiso de conducir. El estudio se ha realizado en las clinicas de transito acreditadas para permiso de conducir de la ciudad de Curitiba/Parana. La muestra del tipo probabilistica se ha constituido por 421 ancianos, mediante el calculo de muestra y el establecimiento de criterios de inclusion y exclusion. La recogida de datos se realizo en el periodo de enero de 2015 a mayo de 2016, mediante analisis de los datos sociodemograficos, clinicos, de conduccion vehicular, y aplicacion de los test de evaluacion del fenotipo de fragilidad fisica. Los datos han sido codificados y organizados en planilla en el programa computacional Microsoft ExcelR 2007 y realizada la validacion por verificacion doble. Los analisis han sido procesados por el software IBM Statistical PacKage for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20. Los resultados de las variables cuantitativas han sido descriptos por medias, medianas, valores minimos y maximos y desvios medios, y las variables cualitativas han sido presentadas en frecuencias y porcentuales. Han sido realizados analisis univariados a traves de test de Chi-cuadrado, considerando el nivel de significacion estadistica p?0,05. Con relacion a las variables cualitativas las comparaciones se han realizado por el test Exacto de Fisher y el test de Chi-cuadrado. Para identificar el valor predictivo se ha utilizado el analisis multivariado y han sido ajustados modelos de regresion logistica stepwise backward incluyendose inicialmente todas las variables que han presentado p?0,25 en el analisis univariado. El proyecto de la investigacion fue aprobado por el Comite de Etica en Investigaciones, bajo no833.460. En la muestra constituida por 421 ancianos hubo predominio de hombres (294; 69,8%), en la franja etaria entre 60-69,9 anos (278; 66,0%), con ensenanza superior (160; 38,0%), que trabajan (217; 51,5%), con cognicion preservada (249; 59,1%), que poseen enfermedades (295; 70,1%) y uso de medicamentos (280; 66,5%). Un porcentual del 10,2% de los ancianos ha sido hospitalizado durante el ultimo ano. Se han identificado 224 (53,2%) ancianos no fragiles y 189 (44,9%) pre-fragiles. El valor medio de Fuerza de Prension Manual (FPM) encontrado fue 33,7Kgf, los hombres con media 37,2 (}7,2) Kgf y las mujeres 25,1(}6,0) Kgf. La condicion de fragilidad fisica determinada por el marcador Fuerza de Prension Manual no se ha asociado al resultado final del permiso para conduccion (p=0,787). El poder predictivo para la Fuerza de Prension Manual en la inaptitud para conducir ha sido compuesto por las variables Fuerza de Prension Manual inferior a 20Kgf para las mujeres y 30Kgf para los hombres, Mini Examen del Estado Mental ?25 puntos, hospitalizacion durante el ultimo ano, y escolaridad (ensenanza basica incompleta o ensenanza basica completa y secundaria incompleta). Se ha concluido que no hubo evidencia de asociacion significativa entre la FPM como marcador de fragilidad fisica y los resultados de los examenes de aptitud fisica y mental para permiso para conducir. Este resultado es inquietante, ya que algunos ancianos considerados aptos para conducir, mediante evaluacion de las clinicas de transito, no poseen la FPM necesaria para tal. Se espera que el presente estudio despierte el interes de los organos de transito para la construccion de un modelo propio de evaluacion para los ancianos, con la debida especificidad que el segmento exige. Los resultados ofrecen una contribucion significativa e inedita para los profesionales enfermeros, ya que el contexto del permiso para conducir no era explotado por la enfermeria gerontologica.

O impacto da "Lei Seca" sobre o beber e dirigir em Belo Horizonte/MG / The Impact of Prohibition on drinking and driving in Belo Horizonte in the State of Minas Gerais

O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar dados, de estudo comparativo, sobre a conduta de beber e dirigir na cidade de Belo Horizonte, no período de 2005 a 2009, avaliando o impacto da Lei 11.705, a "Lei Seca", de 20 de junho de 2008. Para tanto, dados de prevalência desta conduta, coletados em postos de fiscalização da sobriedade (Sobriety Checkpoints) - metodologia internacionalmente utilizada -, foram analisados a partir de amostras representativas de motoristas abordados em vias públicas de tráfego intenso dessa capital, permitindo a avaliação do impacto da nova Lei. Os resultados da análise destes dados apontaram para uma redução de cerca de 50% na prevalência de condutores dirigindo com algum nível de álcool no sangue, em 2008, quando comparados a 2007, o que coincide com a mudança na legislação. O estudo permitiu determinar que o impacto da Lei 11.705/2008 foi bastante expressivo, no sentido de modificar a conduta estudada. Entretanto, outras medidas de controle devem somar-se à mudança na legislação, para que seja buscada uma contínua redução na incidência do "beber e dirigir", favorecendo, assim, uma cultura de sobriedade no trânsito.

The scope of this paper is to present comparative data on drinking and driving behavior among drivers in Belo Horizonte in the State of Minas Gerais, in the period from 2005 to 2009, evaluating the impact of Law No. 11.705 (Prohibition), dated June 6, 2008. Data regarding prevalence of this behavior, collected at Sobriety Checkpoints (internationally used methodology) were analyzed using representative samples obtained from drivers on different public roads with intensive traffic in Belo Horizonte (2005-2009), thus permitting analysis of the impact of the new law. In 2008, the data showed a reduction of approximately 50% in the prevalence of individuals driving with any level of alcohol in the blood, when compared to 2007, after the change in legislation. This study showed that the impact caused by Law No.11.705 was marked in the sense of modifying the behavior under scrutiny. However, other control measures need to be added to the current legislation, in order to obtain a continuous reduction of drinking and driving behavior, thereby fostering a culture of sobriety on the road.

Hospital-Wide Standardization of Warnings about Driving Motor Vehicles While Taking Drugs: An Example from Nagoya City East Medical Center (Part 2) / 医薬品情報学

<b>Objective: </b>When vehicular accidents occur as a result of impaired consciousness etc., because of adverse drug reactions, there is a risk that third parties may be harmed.  Till date, at Nagoya City East Medical Center (hereinafter, our hospital), the warnings about driving motor vehicles while taking drugs has varied depending on the doctor or pharmacist who provides the guidance.  Therefore, throughout our hospital, we aimed to standardize these warnings and to introduce measures to strictly enforce them.<br><b>Methods: </b>Among all the drugs used at our hospital, we identified those with warnings on the package insert about driving motor vehicles and classified them in accordance with “The Drug Administration Guidance Criteria Regarding the Driving of Vehicles,” created by our hospital on the basis of descriptions on the package insert and the level of risk of taking drugs.  We then standardized the warnings about driving motor vehicles while taking drugs, throughout our hospital.<br><b>Results: </b>Of the 1,416 drugs used at our hospital, we identified 294 (21%) with warnings about driving motor vehicles on the package insert, and more than half of these (158 drugs) had warnings about the prohibition of driving motor vehicles on the package insert.  As a result of classifying the drugs according to “The Drug Administration Guidance Criteria Regarding the Driving of Vehicles,” we identified 53 drugs with warnings about the prohibition of driving motor vehicles.  By the classification of the level of risk of taking drugs while driving motor vehicles and the hospital-wide standardization of the warnings about driving motor vehicles while taking drugs, we are now able to provide drug administration guidance in the form of warnings that are customized to the level of risk of using each drug.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>These measures have clarified the level of risk of taking each drug and warnings about driving motor vehicles while taking them.  In the future, we intend to cooperate with local pharmacies to intervene in the prescription of drugs outside well as inside hospitals.