Evaluation of the Vietnamese A6 Mortality Reporting System: All-Cause Mortality.

There has been no systematic evaluation of Viet Nam's A6 mortality reporting system. An evaluation was undertaken in 3 provinces in Viet Nam. Deaths identified in the A6 system were compared with deaths identified by an independent consensus panel to determine the percentage completeness of the A6 system. Verbal autopsies (VAs) were conducted for all identified deaths from the consensus panels, and the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the A6 system was assessed. The sensitivity of the A6 system varied depending on the cause of death, with the sensitivity of the system being excellent for injury (sensitivity = 75.4%), cancer (sensitivity = 66.9%), and circulatory diseases (sensitivity = 63.1%). The A6 mortality reporting system performs well in relation to its completeness and classification of 3 leading causes of death­namely, circulatory disease, cancer, and injury. With further enhancements and ongoing support from government and donor agencies, the A6 system will be a valuable resource.

Viet Nam's mandatory motorcycle helmet law and its impact on children.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the use of motorcycle helmets in children and to determine the reasons why children wear helmets less often than adults. METHODS: The frequency of helmet wearing among adults and children was ascertained by trained roadside observers, and randomized road user surveys were completed in four major centres in Viet Nam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Da Nang. Survey data on key questions were cross tabulated, and chi2 was calculated for significant differences between parents and non-parents (0.05). FINDINGS: The frequency of helmet use in the four study locations ranged from 90-99% among adults, from 15-53% among children 7 but

Injury and pre-hospital trauma care in Hanoi, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: In Vietnam, injury is the leading cause of death in children under 18, and road traffic accidents are the fifth leading cause of death. Information systems for pre-hospital trauma care are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess injury morbidity and mortality, and the existing level of pre-hospital trauma care in Hanoi city. RESEARCH DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts in Hanoi in 2006. We studied 2800 households (11,334 members), 9 hospitals and an emergency service centre. RESULTS: The injury morbidity rate was 1134/100,000 (year(-1)), and the injury mortality rate was 23.7/100,000 (year(-1)). There was no significant difference in age or sex between injury severity levels (p>0.05). Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of injury. Causes of injury mortality differed among different age groups. Only 4% of injured cases were transported to hospital by ambulance. Fifty-two percent of victims did not receive first aid at the site. Pre-hospital trauma care was separately provided by the emergency service centre and hospitals. There was no communication network between the emergency service centre and hospitals, ambulances and hospitals, or between different hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that injury is a major health problem in Hanoi and that the pre-hospital care system lacks both coordination and many vital components. Study results may assist decision-makers in identifying interventions to improve health and safety for the population of Hanoi.

“Health promotion at workplaces” intervention in Tien Ngoai food processing village, Khac Niem commune, Bac Ninh province

The subjects consisted of 15 processing households and 150 processing direct employees. Intervention of “Health promotion at workplaces for processing village households” according to the guide-line of WHO was implemented. The study was firstly carried out in Tien Ngoai food processing village, Khac Niem commune, Bac Ninh province from 2002-2003. The results showed that the intervention was successful. Tien Ngoai village developed its down rule, in which there were regulation on environmental protection, occupational safety. The village also established a fund for these activities. Each household carried out at least 3 improvements of working and living conditions. Commune health station in cooperation with preventive medicine centers organized medical examination and consultation for handicraft employees. Improving awareness of employees on occupational safety and environmental protection were done in different ways.

A survey on the implement of the regulations about periodical health examination and screening of occupational diseases for the manufacturing workers

4 groups of subjects including 1.590 workers with occupational diseases and exposed to the risks. 175 managers, 153 health workers, 32 officals of the Labor – Invalide – Social services, social insurance in 37 factories in 7 provinces/cities: Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Hue and HoChiMinh city, were enrolled into study performed from September 2001 to June 2002. The study had showed a rate of 93.8% exposed subjects underwent regular health examination of low quality. The result table delayed 71.5% of fatories, occupational health examinations were conducted. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 94% and the cost of consultation 83.000 VND for each. There was a rather good realization of the regime of health care allowance and subsidy.

Management situation and using industrial chemicals at some productive manufacturer in Vietnam

The investigation was performed on employees and workers who contact with chemicals at 9 institutions using various substances in the process of production of paint, rubber, shoe and wood articles in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Da Nang. Results showed that the current regulations were not complied preserve and use of chemical substance, without emergency equipments available for working staff and environment. A high rate of workers had not been educate on chemical safety and a high rate of work place and facilities had not guideline for using chemical substances.