Epidemiology and management of traumatic brain injury in a regional Queensland Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) data in Australia in the regional and rural context. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology, severity, causes, and management of TBI in a regional north Queensland population to plan acute care, follow up, and prevention strategies. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed TBI patients presenting to Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department (ED) in 2021. We identified patients using head injury SNOMED codes, and analysed patient characteristics with descriptive and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 1120 head injury presentations, with an overall incidence of 909 per 100,000 people per year. The median (IQR) age was 18 (6-46) years. Falls were the most common injury mechanism (52.4% of presentations). 41.1% of patients had a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, while 16.5% of patients who met criteria had post traumatic amnesia (PTA) testing. Age, being male and Indigenous status were associated with higher odds of moderate to severe TBI. CONCLUSION: TBI incidence in this regional population was higher than metropolitan locations. CT scan was undertaken less frequently than in comparative literature, and low rates of PTA testing were undertaken. These data provide insight to assist in planning prevention and TBI-care services.

The acceptability of combined oral hormonal contraceptives in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Although combined oral hormonal contraceptives have been described as the most significant medical advance of the 20th century, the usage rate in the People's Republic of China is considerably lower than in developed countries. This survey aimed to explore the acceptability of combined oral hormonal contraceptives (COC) amongst women aged 18-35 years who attended the family planning clinic in the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Shanghai, as well as amongst gynecologists who worked in the same hospital. In total, 500 clients and 89 gynecologists were recruited. Only 12% of the clients had ever used COC. Women with a lower educational level or parous women were more likely to use COC (p < 0.05). COC was the third most popular method recommended by the gynecologists (85.4%). Both groups were concerned about the risks and side effects of COC, especially younger doctors and doctors with fewer years of experience (p < 0.01). The results of the survey suggest that it is necessary to provide improved training about COC to reproductive-aged women and professionals to dispel misunderstandings of the pill.