Effect of severe weather on road traffic injuries：a meta-analysis / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the impact of severe weather on road traffic injuries (RTIs). Methods Relevant literature on the impact of meteorology on the occurrence and resulting casualties of road traffic injuries was searched. Meta-analysis was performed on the included literature using state16.0 software. Results A total of 28 articles were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that heat wave, cloudy day, snowy day, rainy day and other severe weather such as storm had a statistically significant impact on the occurrence of road traffic injuries. Severe weather such as storms had a statistically significant impact on RTIs casualties. Conclusion Heat wave, cloudy day, snowy day, rainy day, storm and other bad weather are independent risk factors for the occurrence of RTIs. Storm is a risk factor for accident casualties. There is not enough evidence to show that low temperature, cold wave and heavy fog are the influencing factors of road traffic accidents.

Prévalence et facteurs prédicteurs des troubles post-traumatiques chez les accidentés de la voie publique / Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in road traffic accidents

Introduction: les troubles post-traumatiques survenant à la suite d'un accident de la route ont un impact tant sanitaire qu'économique. Méthodes: notre étude prospective, vise à déterminer la prévalence de ces troubles, et de dégager leurs facteurs de risque auprès de sujets victimes d'accidents de la route et hospitalisés au service de chirurgie orthopédique et de traumatologie du Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Sfax-Tunisie. Résultats: soixante-dix sujets ont été inclus dans notre étude. La prévalence de l'état de stress aigu était de 37,1% et il a été associé au sexe féminin, au niveau scolaire bas, à la présence d'antécédents médicochirurgicaux, à la passivité au cours de l'accident, à la sévérité des lésions, et à la présence d'une symptomatologie anxieuse et dépressive. Le trouble stress post traumatique était constaté chez 40% des sujets et il a été associé au milieu de résidence urbain, à la passivité au cours de l'accident, et à la symptomatologie anxieuse et dépressive. Des scores faibles des stratégies de coping fonctionnelles et des scores élevés des stratégies de coping dysfonctionnelles ont été significativement associés à ces deux troubles. Le niveau scolaire bas, la résidence en milieu urbain, un niveau élevé d'anxiété et de dépression et la stratégie de coping de déni apparaissent comme des facteurs de risque indépendants de l'état de stress aigu et du trouble stress post traumatique. Conclusion: il s'avère ainsi important de déterminer un profil de personnes plus exposées aux troubles post-traumatique afin de permettre un dépistage précoce par les médecins avec lesquels les accidentés pourraient avoir des contacts dans les suites de leurs accidents.

ntroduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder following a road accident has both a health and an economic impact. Methods: we conducted a prospective study to determine the prevalence of this disorder, and to identify risk factors in subjects victims of road accidents and hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology of the University Hospital Center of Sfax-Tunisia. Results: a total of sixty-ten subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of acute stress was 37.1% and was associated with female sex, low educational level, previous medical and surgical history, passivity during the accident, severity of injuries and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder was observed in 40% of subjects and was associated with urban residential environment, passivity during the accident and anxious and depressive symptoms. Low scores for functional coping strategies and high scores for dysfunctional coping strategies were significantly associated with both disorders. Low educational level, urban residential environment, high levels of anxiety and depression, and denial coping strategy appear to be independent risk factors for acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: It is therefore important to determine the profile of people at greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, to enable early diagnosis in victims of road accidents.

Trauma abdominal en pacientes del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García / Abdominal Trauma in patients at Hospital Universitario General Calixto García

Introducción: El trauma abdominal se considera un problema de salud significativo, debido a que su cinemática ocasiona lesiones tanto anatómicas como funcionales de los órganos del abdomen. Objetivo: Caracterizar el trauma abdominal en un grupo de pacientes lesionados del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal en los pacientes con trauma abdominal atendidos en el Servicio de Cirugía General desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2019. La muestra fue de 879 pacientes. Resultados: Existió un mayor número de pacientes con trauma abdominal en el grupo etario de 19-29 años, con una prevalencia del sexo masculino. Predominaron los accidentes de tránsito como la principal causa de trauma abdominal con el 52 por ciento. Prevalecieron las lesiones sobre órganos macizos, con mayor frecuencia en el hígado con un 33 por ciento. El tratamiento que con mayor asiduidad se empleó fue el quirúrgico, lo que representa el 83 por ciento con respecto al manejo conservador. Conclusiones: Por su ubicación y funcionalidad, las lesiones asociadas a trauma abdominal se convierten en un factor que representa gran riesgo para la vida del paciente. Los accidentes de tránsito continúan estando dentro de las primeras causas de trauma abdominal. Aunque la conducta conservadora ha ganado adeptos, existe un predominio en el tratamiento quirúrgico apoyado fundamentalmente en la sintomatología de los pacientes y en los medios diagnósticos(AU)

Introduction: Abdominal trauma is considered a significant health problem due to the fact that its kinematics causes both anatomical and functional injuries to the abdominal organs. Objective: To characterize abdominal trauma in a group of injured patients from Hospital Universitario General Calixto García. Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with abdominal trauma attended at the general surgery service from January 2017 to December 2019. The sample was 879 patients. Results: There was a higher number of patients with abdominal trauma within the age group 19-29 years, with a prevalence of the male sex. Road traffic accidents predominated as the main cause of abdominal trauma, accounting for 52 percent. Injuries to solid organs prevailed, most frequently to the liver, accounting for 33 percent. The most frequently used treatment was surgical, which represents 83 percent with reference to conservative management. Conclusions: Due to their location and functionality, injuries associated with abdominal trauma become a factor that represents a great risk for the patient's life. Road traffic accidents continue to be among the first causes of abdominal trauma. Although the conservative approach has gained followers, there is a predominance of surgical treatment supported mainly by the patients' symptomatology and diagnostic means(AU)

Association Of Socio-Demographic Determinants with Economic Burden Among Road Traffic Accident Victims: A Longitudinal Study

Background: RTA are the sixth leading cause of death in India with a greater share of hospitalization, disabili-ties, deaths and socio-economic losses. The study was conducted to assess the socio-demographic determi-nants associated with households’ economic burden among RTA victims. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted for 2 years in Puducherry employing simple random sampling to include 169 accident victims. Baseline data was collected with a semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic details, direct and indirect costs towards road traffic injuries. Follow up was at 6th and 12thmonth from the day of accident. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi-data. Written informed consent from each participant was sought. Ethical clearance received. Results: Mean age of the accident victims was 36.2 (11.4) years. The median (IQR) for direct, indirect and to-tal expenses were INR 1500 (1000-22100), 18000 (2400-46500) and 3000 (1037-47125) respectively. Asso-ciation between the median (IQR) indirect expenses and marital status as well as socio-economic status of vic-tims were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Accident victims and their family faced financial burden, as a large proportion of victims were from productive age group belonging to lower- and middle-class income group

Festas de pretos no Caminho Velho da Estrada Real: fé, obrigação, turismo e lazer na luta contra o racismo religioso / Black parties on the Old Path of the Royal Road: faith, obligation, tourism and leisure in the fight against religious racismo

Este artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa sobre o Reinado de Nossa Senhora do Rosário no Caminho Velho da Estrada Real e teve como objetivo registrar e apresentar análises de aspectos históricos, sociológicos, culturais, religiosos e turísticos presentes nos grupos de congado neste percurso, avaliando a importância das festas como fenômeno de devoção, obrigação e, ao mesmo tempo, de resistência, de lazer e turismo nas localidades investigadas. A pesquisa qualitativa se apoiou no método da história oral, sendo as entrevistas a principal estratégia adotada. Foram visitadas 15 cidades, 22 grupos, com 34 entrevistados. Espera-se que os estudos sobre o Congado possam contribuir com o debate sobre a luta antirracista em nosso país, em especial, contra o racismo religioso impetrado contra as manifestações de matrizes africanas. Para isso, o conhecimento sobre as manifestações é imprescindível.

This article is the result of a research about the Reign of Nossa Senhora do Rosárioalong the Old Path of the Royal Road and aimed to record and present analyzes of historical, sociological, cultural, religious and tourist aspects present in the congado groups on this route, and evaluat the importance of festivals as a phenomenon of devotion, obligation and, at the same time, resistance, leisure and tourism in the investigated locations. The qualitative research was based on the oral history method, with interviews being the main strategy adopted. 15 cities were visited, 22 groups, with 34 respondents. It is hoped that studies on the Congado can contribute to the debate on the anti-racist struglgle in our country, in particular, against religious racism filed against manifestation of African matrices. For this, knowledge about these manifestations is essential.

Characteristics of unintentional injuries reported to Shanghai hospitalized injury surveillance system， 2017‒2020 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of hospitalized unintentional injuries and to provide evidence for formulating injury prevention and control strategies. MethodsDescriptive analysis was conducted on injury information of unintentional injury cases reported from 22 monitoring hospitals during 2017 to 2020 by injury surveillance system. The composition ratio index was used to analyze and explore the distribution（population， time and place）of injuries related to different causes. The disease burden was described by the length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost. ResultsA total of 32 716 hospitalized unintentional injury cases were reported from 22 monitoring hospitals. The male to female ratio was 1.18∶1. The majority of males were aged 15‒64 years and the majority of females were aged over 45 years. The top three causes of injuries were falls， traffic-related and blunt injury. Injuries occurred more frequently in July and August. 42.81% of the cases occurred at home. Fracture cases accounted for 75.79%. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days and the median cost was 15 431.50 yuan. The share of both falls and non-motor vehicle accidents increased year by year. ConclusionFalls among elderly people and road traffic injuries are the main causes of hospitalized unintentional injuries， and sharp or blunt instrument injuries are more severe in the male workforce. Considering high direct and indirect economic losses from injuries， steps should to be taken to improve injury surveillance system and to implement injury prevention and control strategies targeted on key groups and key injuries.

Investigation on the exchange of incense and medicine along the Silk Road from the perspective of medical archaeology / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

From the perspective of medical archaeology, on the basis of sorting out the relevant archaeological findings, and starting from the diachronic nature of spice exchange, this paper divides the development of ancient Chinese fragrant drugs into the occurrence period (pre Qin), the development period (Qin and Han dynasties), the maturity period (Wei, Jin and Tang dynasties), the prosperity period (Song and Yuan dynasties), and the popularity period (Ming and Qing dynasties). The Silk Road has played a vital role in promoting the exchange of fragrant medicine culture. Since the opening of the Silk Road in the Han Dynasty, fragrant drugs from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea have been imported into China. The exchange of fragrant medicine culture coincides with the development trend of the Silk Road. This kind of exchange has a two-way nature. While foreign fragrant drugs are continuously imported into China, Chinese medical concepts and technologies are also promoted abroad. The impact of the exchange has many effects. It has not only promoted the progress of medicine, but also promoted the friendly exchanges between China and foreign countries and the mutual dissemination of ideas and cultures, and greatly enriched the material and cultural life of the people of all countries.

Noise Exposure Among Motorcycle Riders: A Scoping Review

@#This scoping review aimed to determine the dosage of noise exposure among motorcycle riders and the sources contributing to a rider’s noise exposure. A systematic search of several scientific databases was conducted from 1981 until 2021. Eligible articles were included into the defined criteria. The dosage of noise exposure, sources, and standardization method were extracted. A total of 37 studies were included. There was scarce publication regarding the exact level of noise exposure experienced by the riders. There was, however, abundant evidence on indirect sources of noise exposure for riders, which requires further critical analysis. The dosage of noise exposure among riders was significantly higher than the recommended level. Seven sources were determined to generate noise which could potentially affect the riders, presented in this paper along with their respective evidence.

Issues and solutions of general practice education for international medical students in China / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Under the background of internationalization of medical education in China, the general medical education for foreign students started relatively late. At present, there are still some problems in it, such as imperfect curriculum system, lack of unified and standardized textbooks, inadequate language skills of community teachers, difficulties in carrying out practical courses, and cultural differences. Based on the current situation of general practice education for international students in China, this article proposes the following solutions: to insist on standardizing quality management and construct scientific training schemes; to understand the present situation of primary medical and health services in their country of origin, promote cultural integration, and actively explore the fit between training and demand; to write bilingual textbooks suitable for practical needs; to overcome language barriers and build a team of community teachers that speak English; to adopt flexible and diversified teaching modes and comprehensively improve the quality of general practice teaching for international students, so as to promote the communication and dissemination of basic medical and health concepts in China.

Current situation of acupuncture and moxibustion patents in China and abroad / 中国针灸

The patents of acupuncture and moxibustion in China and abroad was analyzed, aiming to provide support for the innovative development of acupuncture industry. With the China Think Tank of Patent of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the PatSnap database as data sources, based on the mathematical statistics method, the application trend, legal status, patent types, transformation and distribution of major technical fields of acupuncture patents in China and abroad were analyzed. As a result, a total of 53,422 acupuncture patents were screened, involving 49 countries and 4 organizations. The patent types were mainly utility model patents. Although the application number of acupuncture patent had increased rapidly, the average patent conversion rate was generally low, approximately 4%. In the context of global economic integration, the acupuncture industry is developing at a high speed. It is suggested to take advantage of the "Belt and Road Initiative" to improve the international acceptance of acupuncture and moxibustion, adhere to the principle of attaching equal importance to the number and quality of patents, promote the in-depth cooperation of industry-university-research, and promote high-quality development of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Mortalidade e anos de vida ajustados por incapacidade de motociclistas na América Latina e Caribe na primeira década de segurança viária / Mortality and disability-adjusted life years in motorcyclists in Latin America and the Caribbean during the first decade of action for road safety / Mortalidad y años de vida ajustados por discapacidad de los motociclistas en América Latina y el Caribe en la primera década de seguridad vial

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar a tendência temporal da mortalidade e dos anos de vida perdidos por morte ou incapacidade (DALY) de homens por acidente motociclístico na América Latina e Caribe no período de 2010 a 2019, utilizando estimativas do estudo Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Métodos. Este estudo ecológico analisou a série temporal pelo modelo de regressão linear segmentada (joinpoint), estimando-se e testando-se a variação percentual anual e a variação percentual anual média, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados. A grande região da América Latina e Caribe definida pelo GBD ocupou o primeiro lugar global em mortalidade e DALY de motociclistas homens de 15 a 49 anos em 2019. As taxas aumentaram significativamente de 2010 a 2013, havendo redução significativa de ambas após esse período. Durante a década analisada, a sub-região da América Latina Tropical (Brasil e Paraguai) apresentou as maiores taxas de mortalidade e DALY na população em estudo, porém foi a única com redução significativa das mesmas; a sub-região do Caribe (Bermudas, Dominica, Suriname, Guiana, Belize, Bahamas, Porto Rico, Santa Lúcia, República Dominicana, Haiti, São Cristóvão e Névis, Ilhas Virgens/EUA, Granada, Trinidad e Tobago, Barbados, São Vicente e Granadinas, Antígua e Barbuda, Cuba e Jamaica) apresentou aumento significativo de ambas as taxas, enquanto América Latina Andina (Equador, Bolívia e Peru) e América Latina Central (Colômbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, México, Nicarágua, Panamá, Honduras e Venezuela) permaneceram estáveis. Conclusões. Os dados reforçam a importância das ações de vigilância destinadas à prevenção de acidentes motociclísticos, uma vez que os resultados de queda nas taxas ainda são insuficientes frente à morbimortalidade no trânsito como problema de saúde pública.

ABSTRACT Objective. To identify the temporal trend in mortality and years of life lost to death or disability (DALY) due to motorcycle accidents in males from Latin America and the Caribbean from 2010 to 2019, using estimates produced by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Method. In this ecological study, the time series was analyzed using a piecewise linear regression model (joinpoint) to estimate and test the annual percent change and the average annual percent change with a 95% confidence interval. Results. The super-region defined by GBD 2019 as Latin America and the Caribbean ranked first globally in mortality and DALY for male motorcyclists aged 15-49 in 2019. Rates increased significantly from 2010 to 2013, with a significant reduction in both after this period. During the analyzed decade, the Tropical Latin America sub-region (Brazil and Paraguay) had the highest mortality and DALY rates in the population of interest; nevertheless, this was the only sub-region achieving a significant reduction in these rates. The Caribbean sub-region (Bermuda, Dominica, Suriname, Guyana, Belize, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, U.S. Virgin Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba e Jamaica) showed a significant increase in both rates over the same period, while Andean Latin America (Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru) and Central Latin America (Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, and Venezuela) remained stable. Conclusions. The data underscore the importance of developing surveillance actions aimed at preventing motorcycle accidents, since the observed declining rates are still insufficient to address the morbidity and mortality associated with road accidents as a public health problem.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la tendencia temporal de la mortalidad y los años de vida perdidos por muerte o ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD) de hombres por accidentes de motocicleta en América Latina y el Caribe en el período 2010-2019, a partir de las estimaciones del estudio de la carga mundial de enfermedades (CME). Métodos. En este estudio ecológico se analizaron las series temporales mediante el modelo de regresión lineal segmentada (joinpoint), con cálculo y comprobación del cambio porcentual anual y del cambio porcentual anual promedio, con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados. La región de América Latina y el Caribe definida por el estudio de la CME ocupó el primer lugar a nivel mundial en mortalidad y AVAD de motociclistas varones de 15 a 49 años en el 2019. Las tasas tuvieron un notable aumento del 2010 al 2013, y ambas registraron una reducción importante después de ese período. En la década analizada, la subregión de América Latina Tropical (Brasil y Paraguay) presentó las mayores tasas de mortalidad y de AVAD en la población de estudio, pero fue la única con una reducción importante de las mismas. La subregión del Caribe (Antigua y Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belice, Bermudas, Cuba, Dominica, Granada, Guyana, Haití, Islas Vírgenes de Estados Unidos, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, República Dominicana, Saint Kits y Nevis, San Vicente y las Granadinas, Santa Lucía, Suriname, y Trinidad y Tabago) mostró un aumento importante de ambas tasas, mientras que América Latina Andina (Bolivia, Ecuador y Perú) y América Latina Central (Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá y Venezuela) se mantuvieron estables. Conclusiones. Los datos refuerzan la importancia de las actividades de vigilancia destinadas a prevenir los accidentes de motocicleta, puesto que la reducción observada de las tasas aún es insuficiente para abordar la morbimortalidad por accidentes de tráfico como problema de salud pública.

March or Die: road-killed herpetofauna along BR-040 highway, an ancient road on the Atlantic Forest from Southeastern Brazil / Marche ou Morra: herpetofauna atropelada ao longo da rodovia BR-040, uma antiga estrada na Mata Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The construction of highways is responsible for access to previously protected areas, resulting in changes in landscape and dynamics of the animal populations that live in these areas. These enterprises are the major responsible for the mortality of wild animals, surpassing hunting and even the trafficking of animals. The objective of this study was to make a list that reflects the diversity of amphibians and reptile's road-killed along the BR-040, a highway that crosses the threaten lowland Atlantic Forest in Southeastern region of Brazil, including the use of microhabitats, lifestyle, activity pattern, reproductive cycles, and possible rare or endangered species. The study area consists of 180,4 km of highways. Monitoring began in 2006 and continues to the present day. A total of 1,410 individuals from 60 species were recorded in this study. The reptiles were more frequent in number of individuals and species. The commonest species recorded were Crotalus durissus and Dipsas mikanii. We have registered a single endangered species: Ranacephala hogei. The highest rates of road-kill were recorded during the wet season. Road-kills of fauna is a major threat to species, studies are of great importance to define plans that seek to mitigate the effects generated by these enterprises.

Resumo A construção de rodovias é responsável pelo acesso a áreas anteriormente protegidas, resultando em alterações na paisagem e na dinâmica das populações animais que vivem nessas áreas. Esses empreendimentos são os maiores responsáveis pela mortalidade de animais silvestres, superando a caça e até mesmo o tráfico de animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma lista que reflita a diversidade de anfíbios e répteis atropelados ao longo da BR-040, uma rodovia que atravessa a ameaçada Mata Atlântica na região Sudeste do Brasil, incluindo o uso de microhabitats, estilo de vida, padrão de atividade, ciclos reprodutivos, e possíveis espécies raras ou ameaçadas. A área de estudo é constituída por 180,4 km de rodovias. O monitoramento começou em 2006 e segue até os dias atuais. Ao todo 1.410 indivíduos de 60 espécies foram registrados nesse estudo. Os répteis foram mais frequentes, em número de indivíduos e espécies. As espécies mais comumente registradas foram Crotalus durissus e Dipsas mikanii. Registramos uma espécie ameaçada de extinção: Ranacephala hogei. A maior taxa de atropelamento foi registrada durante a estação chuvosa. O atropelamento de fauna é uma grande ameaça as espécies, sendo de grande importância estudos para definição de planos que busquem mitigar os efeitos gerados por esses empreendimentos.

Road traffic accident clinical pattern and management outcomes at JUMC Emergency Department; Ethiopia

Background: Road Traffic Accident is an incident on a way or street open to public traffic. It becomes one of the most significant public health problems in the world especially in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. It is also the major public health problem even though studies done on this topic in the study area is limited. Objective: To assess clinical pattern, associated factors and management outcomes among road traffic accident Victims attending emergency department of Jimma University Medical Center. Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study design was employed to review patients' chart visited the hospital from March to April 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was applied. The data were collected using pretested checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were computed. Variables with P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: About 49.6%) were pedestrians injured of which motorcycle accounted 42.9%. More than half of victims never got any type of prehospital care. On arrival, 38.7% were classified as Red of which 71.4% of them were managed surgically. About 84.9% of victims were discharged with improvement whereas12.6% were died. Victims with head injury (AOR= 16.61: 95% CI; 3.85, 71.71), time elapsed to reach nearby health facility (AOR= 3.30; 95 CI (1.13, 9.60), condition of patient at Emergency Department (AOR= 7.78; 95% CI: 2.33, 26.06), GCS at admission (AOR= 20.12; 95% CI: 7.23, 55.96) and days spent in hospital (AOR= 6.85; 95% CI 5.81, 8.06) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: Road Traffic Accident represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, of which head injury and multiple sites injury increase injury severity. Targeted approaches to improving care of the injured victims may improve outcomes. Thus, the clinician should take into consideration the clinical presentation and give due attention to the identified contributing factors in its management.

Experiences and Interventions by Botswana police officers in providing emergency care in road traffic collisions in the greater Gaborone region

Background Close to 500 people die annually from Road Traffic Collisions in Botswana. The country's Emergency Medical Service is limited in capacity and coverage and greatest in the region of the capital city, Gaborone. Botswana Police Service officers are often first responders to the incidents and provide first aid, however the extent of their interventions and their experiences has not been studied. Methods A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2016 on a sample of 99 officers on past pre-hospital care training, attitudes towards providing pre-hospital care for accident victims, the number of road traffic collision related deaths and injuries encountered in the last 6 months, their interventions to the victims and limitations encountered in providing care. Results The officers self-reported attending to a median of 10 injured victims (IQR = 5 ­ 20) and a median of 2 deaths (IQR = 0 ­ 4) in the preceding 6 months. The officers generally acknowledged their role and responsibility to provide pre-hospital care to the victims. Officers frequently secured accident scenes and transported injured victims to health facilities. They rarely performed haemorrhage control on victims, performed any airway manoeuvres or splint injured limbs. The major limitations to providing care were lack of first aid supplies and personal protective equipment, lack of knowledge and skills to provide care and interference from onlookers at accident scenes. Conclusion Botswana Police officers in the greater Gaborone area attend to a considerable number of traffic related injuries and fatalities. These results support many opportunities for educational interventions to add value to pre-hospital care.

Experiences and Interventions by Botswana police officers in providing emergency care in road traffic collisions in the greater Gaborone region

Background: Life expectancy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) continues to rise, resulting in a growing geriatric population. In Rwanda, a sub-Saharan LMIC, traumatic injuries are a common cause of mortality and morbidity. However, little is known about the frequency and type of traumatic injuries among geriatric populations in Rwanda. Objective: We explored the epidemiology and outcomes of trauma for geriatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of the center Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK) in Rwanda. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to January 2020 at the ED of CHUK. Trauma patients aged 65 and above and alive at the time of evaluation were eligible for inclusion. Demographic characteristics were collected along with triage category, mechanism of injury, transfer status, transport method to CHUK, time spent at the ED, complications, and mortality predictors. Results: For the 100 patients enrolled, the most common injury mechanism was falls (63%), followed by road traffic accidents (28%). The majority of patients spent less than 48 h in the ED (63%). The mortality rate was 14%, with most deaths resulting from injury-related complications. Triage category, Kampala Trauma Score, and Glasgow Coma Scale were significant predictors of mortality, with p-values of 0.002, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively. Conclusions: The epidemiology of geriatric trauma found in this study can inform public health and clinical guidelines. Interventions targeting falls and road traffic accidents would target the most common geriatric trauma mechanisms, and clinical protocols that take into account predictors of mortality could improve outcomes and increase life expectancy for this population.

A prospective study on use of Ilizarov external fixator for open fractures of Tibia

Introduction: Open fractures are more commonly seen in tibia as compared to other bones because of subcutaneous location and the tenuous soft tissue cover. There has been rise in open tibia fractures with increased road traffic accidents. Management of open tibial fracture remains controversial. Ilizarov external fixator is a better option for the treatment of these fractures. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome of open tibial fractures managed with an Ilizarov external fixator. Material & Methods: Twelve patients among those who presented to the emergency department with Type II, Type IIIA and Type IIIB Gustilo-Anderson type open tibial fracture were enrolled. All these cases were treated by Ilizarov external fixator and appropriate wound management. Active movements were started at the earliest after the surgery. Partial weight bearing with support was started from the second day after the surgery. Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 37.66 ± 8.77 years. Half of the patients had Type IIIB GustiloAnderson type fractures. The mean duration of fracture union was 7.1 months. Pin tract infection of the wires was the more common among complications. Excellent to good outcome was seen in 90% of study subjects. Conclusion: Ilizarov external fixator gives stable fixation of the open tibial fractures and allows better wound care. It also helps in early ambulation and rehabilitation of these patients.

Use of Mobile Technologies for Driving, Road Accidents, Health, and Psychological Variables in Colombian Drivers / Uso de Tecnologias Móviles para la Conducción, Accidentabilidad Vial, Salud y Variables Psicológicas en Conductores Colombianos

Abstract The aim of this investigation is to show the relationships between the use of Mobile Driving Applications and Devices (MDAD) with self-reported road accidents, anger, physical health, and subjective wellbeing, in three types of Colombian drivers. The sample is non-randomized (n = 1149) and 93.2% are male drivers. Results showed that (a) for professional drivers, there is an inverse correlation between the use of MDAD with lower driving frequency during weekdays and a higher educational level, (b) for occasional drivers, GPS use was directly associated with fatal road accidents and low driving frequency during weekdays, (C) for private drivers, correlations were found between MDAD broader usage, higher levels of both aggression and perceived driving difficulty as well as physical health problems mainly hypertension and diabetes. It is necessary to conduct in-depth research on MDAD uses, health, and driving styles, by controlling social desirability.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es mostrar las relaciones entre el uso de Dispositivos y Aplicaciones Móviles para la Conducción (DAMC) con la accidentalidad vial auto reportada, la ira, la salud física y el bienestar subjetivo, en tres tipos de conductores colombianos. La muestra es no aleatoria (n = 1149) y el 93.2% son conductores varones. Los resultados muestran que (a) en conductores profesionales, hay una correlación inversa entre el uso de DAMC con una menor fre-cuencia de conducción entre semana y con un mayor nivel educativo, (b) en conductores ocasionales, mayor uso de GPS asociado con accidentes fatales y con menor frecuencia de conducción entre semana, (C) en conductores particulares, mayor uso de DAMC relacionado con niveles más altos de agresividad y de dificultad percibida para conducir, y con más problemas de salud -principalmente hipertensión y diabetes. Es necesario realizar investigaciones en profundidad acerca de los usos de DAMC, salud y estilos de conducción, mediante el control de la deseabilidad social.

Efectos de un programa de educación vial, tránsito y movilidad sobre actitudes y conocimientos de escolares de Barranquilla (Colombia)

Introducción: En Colombia mueren anualmente alrededor de 7000 personas por accidentes de tránsito y otras resultan gravemente heridas, con más de 30 000 lesionados en 2018. Estas cifras reflejan un problema de salud pública, lo que hace necesario generar un proceso de concienciación para lograr un cambio de actitud en todos los actores viales, así como incrementar el conocimiento de las personas respecto a la movilización y las señales de tránsito. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de un programa educativo en conocimiento vial en la adopción de actitudes seguras hacia el tránsito y la movilidad en escolares de 11 a 14 años de Barranquilla, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: La investigación está estructurada en un diseño de preprueba, posprueba con grupo de comparación con mediciones a través de dos escalas: una escala de actitudes de los estudiantes en relación con la seguridad vial y un segundo instrumento que evalúa conocimientos respecto a las normas de tránsito y la movilidad. Resultados: Se encontró que existen diferencias significativas entre los niños que tuvieron la experiencia educativa en relación con las normas y señales de tránsito. Conclusiones: La educación vial se muestra como una estrategia positiva en la formación de actitudes seguras en relación con la normativa de tránsito y movilidad.

Introduction: In Colombia, 7,000 people, in average, die every year from traffic accidents and others are seriously injured, with more than 30,000 injured in 2018. These figures reflect a public health problem, which makes it necessary to generate an awareness process to achieve change in attitude in all road actors, as well as increasing people's knowledge regarding mobilization and traffic signs. Objective: To determine the impact of an educational program on road knowledge in the adoption of safe attitudes towards traffic and mobility in schoolchildren aged 11 to 14 years from Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and methods: This research is structured in a pre-test and post-test design with a comparison group with measurements through two scales: a scale of students' attitudes in relation to road safety, and a second instrument that assesses knowledge regarding traffic regulations and mobility. Results: It was found that there are significant differences between the children who had the educational experience in relation to traffic rules and signs. Conclusions: Road safety education is shown as a positive strategy in the formation of safe attitudes in relation to traffic and mobility regulations.

Deaths Due to Road Traffic Injuries- A Forensic Autopsy Study

Background: Injuries due to road traffic injuries (RTIs) depend upon various factors that include human, vehicle and environmental factors that plays a vital role before, during and after a fatal vehicular accident. Road traffic injuries involve high human suffering and monetary costs in terms of ultimately deaths, injuries and loss of potential income. Aims and Objective: The aims and objective of study was to study the incidence of death due to road traffic injuries, demographic profile including various contributary factors of victims and vehicles and to analyse the magnitude of deaths.Material & Methods:The present retrospective and cross sectional study was conducted in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department, Government Medical College, Amritsar. All the autopsies conducted on road traffic injuries victims during the period from Jan, 2016 to Dec, 2020 were studied. Results:Majority of cases taken up for study were males (80%) followed by females (20%), majority cases belonged to the age group of 21 -30 years (34.72%). The majority of cases (70.61 %)that met with road traffic injury happened at evening time period. Head injury was the cause of death in 42.45% cases followed by 33.88% cases having multiple injuries.Conclusions:Motorization though has enhanced the lives in this era but that has come up with some price. High priority is demanded towards the alarming rate of human loss due to RTIs. Awareness at every level including the strict formation of policies that would prevent such RTIs in future.

Evaluation of Visual Acuity among Commercial Motorcyclists (Okada Riders) in the Main Campus of Abia State University Uturu Abia State Nigeria

The visual ability of road users is fundamental to traffic safety. Despite the high burden of traffic crashes and associated mortality in low-income countries such as Nigeria, evidence for an association between vision function and traffic safety outcomes is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the visual acuity of commercial motorcyclists operating within the main campus of Abia State University, Uturu. Two hundred operators who had been on the job for at least one year constituted the test population, while staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu, who were sex and aged-matched and who are not commercial motor cyclists constituted the control group. Data were obtained with the aid of a structured questionnaire and clinical examinations were carried out by standard procedures. Results showed that Snellen抯 fraction which is a indicator of visual acuity for the left eye of control and test groups was recorded as 0.98+- 0.30 and 0.88+- 0.35 respectively and for the right eyes 0.99+- 0.10 and 0.87+- 0.50 respectively. Only 38% of test group had normal visual acuity of 6/6 compared to 73% of control. Visual acuity correlated negatively with age for the left (r = - 0.712) and right (r = - 0.740) eyes as well as with length of service for left (r = -0.623 and right (r = - 0.632) eyes of motorcyclist operators. In conclusion, visual acuity was inversely proportional to age and length of service.