School immunization coverage in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on immunization coverage for adolescents, and little is known about how coverage has changed throughout the pandemic. We aimed to: (1) assess the change in coverage for school-based vaccines in Alberta, Canada resulting from the pandemic; (2) determine whether coverage differed by geographic health zone and school type; and (3) ascertain whether coverage has returned to pre-pandemic levels. METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort design, we used administrative health data to compare coverage for human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal conjugate A, C, Y, W-135 (MenC-ACYW) vaccines between pre-pandemic (2017-2018 school year) and pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years) cohorts (N = 289,420). Coverage was also compared by health zone and authority type. The 2019-2020 cohort was followed over one year to assess catch-up. RESULTS: Compared to 2017-2018, immunization coverage for HPV was significantly lower in the 2019-2020 (absolute difference: 60.8%; 95% CI: 60.4-61.3%) and 2020-2021 cohorts (absolute difference: 59.9%; 95% CI: 59.4-60.3%). There was a smaller, significant decline in MenC-ACYW coverage comparing 2017-2018 to 2019-2020 (absolute difference: 6.1%; 95% CI: 5.6-6.5%) and 2020-2021 (absolute difference: 32.2%; 95% CI: 31.6-32.7%). Private schools had low coverage overall, while coverage fluctuated by zone. During follow-up of the 2019-2020 cohort, coverage for HPV and MenC-ACYW increased from 5.6% to 50.2%, and 80.7% to 83.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a substantial decrease in school-based immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and coverage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting further catch-up is needed.

Sports-Related Concussions in Adults Presenting to Canadian Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence and recovery outcomes of sports-related concussions (SRCs) presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) in a community-based sample. DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 3 Canadian hospitals. SETTING: Emergency Department. PATIENTS: Adults (≥17 years) presenting with a concussion to participating EDs with a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥13 were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patient demographics (eg, age and sex), clinical characteristics (eg, history of depression or anxiety), injury characteristics (eg, injury mechanisms and loss of consciousness and duration), and ED management and outcomes (eg, imaging, consultations, and ED length of stay) were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' self-reported persistent concussion symptoms, return to physical activity status, and health-related quality of life at 30 and 90 days after ED discharge. RESULTS: Overall, 248 patients were enrolled, and 25% had a SRC. Patients with SRCs were younger and reported more physical activity before the event. Although most of the patients with SRCs returned to their normal physical activities at 30 days, postconcussive symptoms persisted in 40% at 90 days of follow-up. After adjustment, there was no significant association between SRCs and persistent symptoms; however, patients with concussion from motor vehicle collisions were more likely to have persistent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although physically active individuals may recover faster after a concussion, patients returning to their physical activities before full resolution of symptoms are at higher risk of persistent symptoms and further injury. Patient-clinician communications and tailored recommendations should be encouraged to guide appropriate acute management of concussions.

Intergenerational transfer of occupational risks on family farms.

BACKGROUND: Cultures of safety in farm work settings are under the authority of a responsible owner-operator, who establishes rules, attitudes, and behaviors for farm work practices. This novel analysis provides new evidence to show that risks that can lead to injury and are commonly practiced on Canadian farms are indeed transferred between generations. METHODS: Baseline data were provided by representatives from eligible and consenting farms (n = 589) in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, during the first quarter of 2013. Mailed questionnaires were sent to participating farms and completed by a single respondent. Questionnaires included scaled assessments of hazards and safety practices by farm operators, and young workers on each farm. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between farm owner-operator risks and safety practices and those reported for the young workers. FINDINGS: Graphical descriptive analyses showed that as farm owner-operator risks increased, so did those reported for children and young workers. Similarly, as farm owner-operator safe work practices increased, young worker hazards decreased, albeit more modestly. The young worker hazard scale increased by 0.20 (95% CI: 0.10-0.30) points, and decreased by 0.08 (95% CI: -0.016 to -0.000) points for each one-point increase in the owner-operator hazard and safe work practices scales, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational health and safety risks and protections experienced on farms appear to be transferred between generations. This suggests the need to target farm owner-operators, the responsible authority on the farm, as a focus of primary prevention strategies aimed at injury risks to children and young workers.

Sex-based differences in outcomes for adult patients presenting to the emergency department with a concussion.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with concussion frequently present to the emergency department (ED). Studies of athletes and children indicate that concussion symptoms are often more severe and prolonged in females compared with males. Given infrequent study of concussion symptoms in the general adult population, the authors conducted a sex-based comparison of patients with concussion. METHODS: Adults (≥ 17 years of age) presenting with concussion to one of three urban Canadian EDs were recruited. Discharged patients were contacted by telephone 30 and 90 days later to capture the extent of persistent postconcussion symptoms using the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). A multivariate logistic regression model for persistent symptoms that included biological sex was developed. RESULTS: Overall, 250 patients were included; 131 (52%) were women, and the median age of women was significantly higher than that of men (40 vs 32 years). Women had higher RPQ scores at baseline (p < 0.001) and the 30-day follow-up (p = 0.001); this difference resolved by 90 days. The multivariate logistic regression identified that women, patients having a history of sleep disorder, and those presenting to the ED with concussions after a motor vehicle collision were more likely to experience persistent symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In a community concussion sample, inconsequential demographic differences existed between adult women and men on ED presentation. Based on self-reported and objective outcomes, work and daily activities may be more affected by concussion and persistent postconcussion symptoms for women than men. Further analysis of these differences is required to identify different treatment options and ensure adequate care and management of injury.

Effect of preoperative long-term opioid therapy on patient outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of multicentre population-based administrative data.

Background: Up to 40% of patients are receiving opioids at the time of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the United States despite evidence suggesting opioids are ineffective for pain associated with arthritis and have substantial risks. Our primary objective was to determine whether preoperative opioid users had worse knee pain and physical function outcomes 12 months after TKA than patients who were opioid-naive preoperatively; our secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of opioid use before and after TKA in Alberta, Canada. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of population-based data, we identified adult patients who underwent TKA between 2013 and 2015 in Alberta. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the association between preoperative opioid use and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function scores 12 months after TKA, adjusting for potentially confounding variables. Results: Of the 1907 patients, 592 (31.0%) had at least 1 opioid dispensed before TKA, and 124 (6.5%) were classified as long-term opioid users. Long-term opioid users had worse adjusted WOMAC pain and physical function scores 12 months after TKA than patients who were opioid-naive preoperatively (pain score ß = 7.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0 to 11.6; physical function score ß = 7.8, 95% CI 4.0 to 11.6; p < 0.001 for both). The majority (89 ([71.8%]) of patients who were long-term opioid users preoperatively were dispensed opioids 180-360 days after TKA, compared to 158 (12.0%) patients who were opioid-naive preoperatively. Conclusion: A substantial number of patients were dispensed opioids before and after TKA, and patients who received opioids preoperatively had worse adjusted pain and functional outcome scores 12 months after TKA than patients who were opioidnaive preoperatively. These results suggest that patients prescribed opioids preoperatively should be counselled judiciously regarding expected outcomes after TKA.

Contexte: Jusqu'à 40 % des patients se font prescrire des opioïdes lors d'une chirurgie pour prothèse totale du genou (PTG) aux États-Unis, et ce, malgré des données selon lesquelles les opioïdes sont inefficaces pour la douleur associée à l'arthrite et comportent des risques substantiels. Notre objectif principal était de déterminer si les patients qui utilisaient déjà des opioïdes en période préopératoire obtenaient des résultats plus négatifs aux plans de la douleur et du fonctionnement 12 mois après leur PTG, comparativement aux patients qui ne prenaient pas d'opioïdes avant leur intervention; notre objectif secondaire était de mesurer la prévalence du recours aux opioïdes avant et après la PTG en Alberta, au Canada. Méthodes: Dans cette analyse rétrospective menée sur des données de population, nous avons identifié les patients adultes soumis à une PTG entre 2013 et 2015 en Alberta. Nous avons utilisé un modèle de régression linéaire multivarié pour examiner le lien entre l'utilisation d'opioïdes en période préopératoire et les scores de douleur et de fonctionnement à l'échelle WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) 12 mois après la PTG, en tenant compte de potentielles variables de confusion. Résultats: Sur les 1907 patients, 592 (31,0 %) ont reçu au moins 1 opioïde avant leur PTG, et 124 (6,5 %) en étaient considérés des utilisateurs de longue date. Les utilisateurs d'opioïdes de longue date présentaient de moins bons scores WOMAC ajustés pour les domaines de douleur et de fonctionnement 12 mois après la PTG, comparativement aux patients qui n'en prenaient pas avant l'intervention (score de douleur ß = 7,7, intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % 4,0 à 11,6; score de fonctionnement ß = 7,8, IC de 95 % 4,0 à 11,6; p < 0,001 pour les 2 domaines). La majorité (89 [71,8 %]) des patients utilisateurs d'opioïdes de longue date avant l'intervention se sont fait servir des opioïdes 180­360 jours après la PTG, comparativement à 158 patients (12,0 %) qui n'en prenaient pas avant l'intervention. Conclusion: Un nombre substantiel de patients ont reçu des opioïdes avant et après la PTG, et ceux qui en prenaient avant l'intervention présentaient des scores de douleur et de fonctionnement ajustés plus défavorables 12 mois après la PTG, comparativement aux patients qui n'en prenaient pas avant l'intervention. Selon ces résultats, il faut adresser des conseils judicieux aux patients qui sont déjà sous opioïdes en période préopératoire et les informer des résultats possibles de la PTG.

Fatal farm injuries to Canadian children.

Children on Canadian farms are at high risk for fatal injury. Ongoing surveillance of these deaths is required to affirm recurrent patterns of injury, and to determine whether historical approaches to prevention have resulted in declines in the occurrence of these traumatic events. We analyzed epidemiological patterns and trends in the occurrence of fatal pediatric farm injuries over 23 years. Records of deaths were obtained from the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting system. To contrast more recent data with injury patterns described historically, cases were compared between two time periods. An intentional consensus process was used to finalize key patterns and their clinical or social importance. 374 fatal farm injuries to children in Canada were identified over the 23 years of study; 253 in period 1 and 121 in period 2. While machinery and non-machinery causes of death varied between the two study periods, mean annual rates of fatal injury (approximately 4 per 100,000 children) remained similar. Notably emergent types of injury in recent years included those caused by all-terrain vehicles, skid steer loaders, and drownings. Observed declines in the numbers of fatal farm injuries are most likely attributable to analogous declines in the number of registered farms in Canada. Our findings call into question the effectiveness of pediatric farm safety initiatives that primarily focus on education. Second, while CAIR fatality data are maintained, surveillance of hospitalized injuries has been disbanded and the fatality records require updating. Only by doing so will such surveillance findings provide comprehensive information to inform prevention.

A description of musculoskeletal injuries in a Canadian police service.

OBJECTIVES: Police officers run a risk of injury that is higher than in most other occupations. This study aims to quantify injury prevalence and identify common musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) among police officers, using injury data from a municipal police service in Alberta, Canada. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on a secondary data analysis of the MSIs reported to the police service over a 41-month period; January 1, 2013 - June 2, 2016. Data from 1325 active police officers were examined, and injury prevalence was reported according to sex, injury diagnosis, the body part injured, and the work area. RESULTS: The prevalence of strains and sprains was very high, at 89.2%. The back and shoulder were most frequently affected. Overall, injury proportions did not differ significantly across work areas. The injury risk was age-related but no significant differences in injuries between sexes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Minor injuries such as strains and sprains occur frequently in the police occupation. Future research should focus on specific risk factors for MSIs in police officers in order to aid prevention. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(1):59-66.

The Association Between Fitness Test Scores and Musculoskeletal Injury in Police Officers.

A police officer's career is hazardous and physically demanding. In order to perform occupational tasks effectively and without injury, officers require adequate physical abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between scores on several fitness tests and musculoskeletal injury in a group of municipal police officers. This retrospective study used existing data to examine the relationship between risk of injury and fitness test performance. Injured and uninjured police officers scored significantly differently on several fitness measures. A multivariate regression indicated that a combination of age, sex, number of pull ups completed and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) best explained injury risk. Additionally, the findings indicated an interaction between sex and VO2max, and so the effect of VO2max on injury risk cannot be understood without accounting for sex.

Determinants of injury among older Saskatchewan farm operators: A prospective cohort study.

SIGNIFICANCE: The agricultural industry differs from other businesses in the composition of its workforce. Often farm owner-operators work beyond what society would expect to be a normal retirement age. Older farmers may be less receptive to behavioral changes designed to improve worksite safety and are at increased risk for experiencing a work-related injury. We had a unique opportunity to evaluate the relative influence of specific occupational conditions and practices reported by older farm operators (age ≥55 years) on the occurrence of injury using a longitudinal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline data were provided by eligible and consenting farm members in the first quarter of 2013. These farms were then followed longitudinally by mail surveys over 24 months to document injury experiences. For each survey, mailed questionnaires were sent to participating farms and completed by a single respondent. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine which characteristics of the farm work environment were protective. RESULTS: A total of 96 farm injuries were reported by 73 of 566 farm operators. Medium (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58; confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.96) or high (HR = 0.53; CI, 0.30-0.94) worksite physical safety and high economic security (HR = 0.41; CI, 0.24-0.71) were protective in reducing injury among older farmers. CONCLUSION: Safety features in the physical environment and economic security are important protective factors for injury among older farmers. This supports injury prevention theory that suggests that engineering controls are superior to changes in work practices or the use of personal protective equipment in reducing injuries among older farmers.

The Influence of Allowable Refill Gaps on Detecting Long-Term Opioid Therapy: An Analysis of Population-Based Administrative Dispensing Data Among Patients with Knee Arthritis Awaiting Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to detect long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) using administrative data, as refill gaps can disrupt opioid utilization episodes. Previous studies have used various methods to define LTOT and allowable refill gaps with little supporting evidence. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of allowable refill gaps on detecting LTOT among a cohort of patients with arthritis awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using 3 different methods. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of multicenter population-based data between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, identified patients prescribed opioids before TKA in Alberta, Canada. We described 3 methods to detect LTOT based on a (1) fixed number of days between prescriptions; (2) fraction of the preceding prescription length; and (3) combination method that selected whichever refill gap was greatest. We then compared the number of patients classified as long-term opioid users by varying the number of days between prescriptions from 1-90 days (fixed method) or 0.04-3.2 times the duration (fraction method) for each method and refill gap. RESULTS: Of the 14,252 patients included in our cohort, 4,393 patients (31%) had an opioid prescription within 180 days before TKA. Detection of LTOT varied from 4.4% to 14.6% (fixed method), 4.2% to 13.2% (fraction method), and 4.5% to 15.1% (mixed method) as refill gaps varied from minimum to maximum. As refills gaps increased, the dose and duration of opioids in the utilization episode decreased for all 3 methods. CONCLUSIONS: The allowable refill gap between opioid prescriptions can influence the estimated rate of LTOT when using administrative pharmaceutical dispensing data. Definitional parameters should be carefully considered when using administrative data to define consistent opioid use. DISCLOSURES: This work was supported by the Department of Surgery's Clinical Research Grant at the University of Alberta (RES0039945). The authors have no potential conflicts of interest.

The built environment and active transportation safety in children and youth: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Active transportation, such as walking and biking, is a healthy way for children to explore their environment and develop independence. However, children can be injured while walking and biking. Many cities make changes to the built environment (e.g., traffic calming features, separated bike lanes) to keep people safe. There is some research on how effective these changes are in preventing adult pedestrians and bicyclists from getting hurt, but very little research has been done to show how safe various environments are for children and youth. Our research program will study how features of the built environment affect whether children travel (e.g., to school) using active modes, and whether certain features increase or decrease their likelihood of injury. METHODS: First, we will use a cross-sectional study design to estimate associations between objectively measured built environment and objectively measured active transportation to school among child elementary students. We will examine the associations between objectively measured built environment and child and youth pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and bicyclist-MVCs. We will also use these data to determine the space-time distribution of pedestrian-MVCs and bicyclist-MVCs. Second, we will use a case-crossover design to compare the built environment characteristics of the site where child and youth bicyclists sustain emergency department reported injuries and two randomly selected sites (control sites) along the bicyclist's route before the injury occurred. Third, to identify implementation strategies for built environment change at the municipal level to encourage active transportation we will conduct: 1) an environmental scan, 2) key informant interviews, 3) focus groups, and 4) a national survey to identify facilitators and barriers for implementing built environment change in municipalities. Finally, we will develop a built environment implementation toolkit to promote active transportation and prevent child pedestrian and bicyclist injuries. DISCUSSION: This program of research will identify the built environment associated with active transportation safety and form an evidence base from which municipalities can draw information to support change. Our team's national scope will be invaluable in providing information regarding the variability in built environment characteristics and is vital to producing evidence-based recommendations that will increase safe active transportation.

Preoperative opioid use is associated with worse patient outcomes after Total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients use opioids prior to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in North America and there is growing concern that preoperative opioid use negatively impacts postoperative patient outcomes after surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the current evidence investigating the influence of preoperative opioid use on postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PRO) after total joint arthroplasty. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL on February 15th, 2018. Studies reporting baseline and postoperative PRO among those prescribed preoperative opioids and those who were not prior to total knee and hip arthroplasty were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD) in absolute difference and relative change in PRO measures between the two groups was calculated using random effect models. RESULTS: Six studies were included (n = 7356 patients); overall 24% of patients were prescribed preoperative opioids. Patients with preoperative opioid use had worse absolute postoperative PRO scores when compared to those with no preoperative opioid use (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.53, 95% Confidence interval (CI) -0.75, - 0.32, p < 0.0001). When relative change in PRO score was analyzed, as measured by difference between postoperative and preoperative PRO scores, there was no group differences (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.56, 0.05, p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: Patients prescribed preoperative opioids may attain worse overall pain and function benefits after TJA when compared to opioid-naïve patients, but do still benefit from undergoing TJA. These results suggest preoperative opioid users should be judiciously counselled regarding potential postoperative pain and function improvements after TJA.

Agricultural injuries among farm and non-farm children and adolescents in Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Understanding of the specific risk of agricultural injury sustained by different populations of children and adolescents is needed for effective safety intervention. OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates and patterns of agricultural injury incidence (fatal and non-fatal injury) between farm and non-farm children less than 18 years of age in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: A total of 115 378 children (five subgroups: two groups of farm children and three groups of non-farm children) in Alberta were followed from 1999 to 2010 to examine injury incidence using the linkage of three administrative health databases. A recurrent event survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 1 849 agricultural injury episodes (1 616 emergency department visits, 225 hospitalizations, and 8 deaths) were identified from 1999 to 2010. The age- and gender-adjusted rate (per 100 000 person years) of agricultural injury was 672.3 for rural-living farm children, 369.4 for urban-living farm children, 180.2 for rural non-First Nations (FN) children, 64.4 for rural FN children, and 23.7 for urban children in descending order. CONCLUSION: Specific strategies for different children's populations to prevent agricultural injuries and to extend agricultural injury controls to non-farming populations are needed.

A Prospective Evaluation of the Influence of an Electronic Clinical Practice Guidelines on Concussion Patients' Future Activities and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with mild traumatic brain injury or concussion commonly present to the emergency department for assessment; providing patients with information on usual symptoms and their progression may encourage faster recovery. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to document the role of an electronic clinical practice guideline (eCPG) patient handout on concussion recovery in adult patients discharged from the hospital. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out in 3 Canadian urban emergency departments. Adults (≥17 years of age) with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 to 15 who sustained a concussion were recruited by on-site research assistants. Physician use of a concussion-specific eCPG was documented from physician and patient reports. Patient follow-up calls at 30 and 90 days documented return to work/school activities and patient symptoms. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Overall, 250 patients were enrolled; the median age was 35 (interquartile range 23-49) and 52% were female. Approximately half (n = 119, 48%) of patients received the eCPG handout, and return to work/school recommendations varied. Symptoms persisted in 60% of patients at 30 days; patients in the eCPG group had fewer symptoms (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.99). At 90 days, 40% of patients reported persistent symptoms, with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: An eCPG handout improved patients' short-term outcomes; however, physician use and adherence to guideline recommendations was low. To further facilitate physician compliance and therefore patient recovery, barriers to use of the eCPG handout need to be identified and addressed.

Concussion diagnoses among adults presenting to three Canadian emergency departments: Missed opportunities.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with concussion commonly present to the emergency department (ED) for assessment. Misdiagnosis of concussion has been documented in children and likely impacts treatment and discharge instructions. This study aimed to examine diagnosis of concussion in a general adult population. METHODS: Patients >17years old presenting meeting the World Health Organization's definition of concussion were recruited in one academic (Hospital 1) and two community (Hospitals 2 and 3) EDs in a Canadian city. A physician questionnaire and patient interviews documented recommendations given by emergency physicians. Bi-variable comparisons are reported using chi-square tests, t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression methods. RESULTS: Overall, the study enrolled 250 patients. The median age was 35 (IQR: 23 to 49) and 52% were female. A variety of concussion causes were documented. Forty-one (16%) patients were not diagnosed with a concussion despite meeting criteria. Concussion diagnosis was less likely with a longer ED length of stay (OR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.83), presenting to the non-academic centers (Hospital 2: OR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.58; Hospital 3: OR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.24), or involvement in a motor vehicle collision (OR=0.11; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.46). CONCLUSION: One in six patients with concussion signs and symptoms were misdiagnosed in the ED. Misdiagnosis was related to injury mechanism, length of stay, and enrolment site. Closer examination of institutional factors is needed to identify effective strategies to promote accurate diagnosis of concussion.

Perceptions About Alcohol Harm and Alcohol-control Strategies Among People With High Risk of Alcohol Consumption in Alberta, Canada and Queensland, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore alcohol perceptions and their association hazardous alcohol use in the populations of Alberta, Canada and Queensland, Australia. METHODS: Data from 2500 participants of the 2013 Alberta Survey and the 2013 Queensland Social Survey was analyzed. Regression analyses were used to explore the association between alcohol perceptions and its association with hazardous alcohol use. RESULTS: Greater hazardous alcohol use was found in Queenslanders than Albertans (p<0.001). Overall, people with hazardous alcohol were less likely to believe that alcohol use contributes to health problems (odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27 to 0.78; p<0.01) and to a higher risk of injuries (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.90; p<0.05). Albertans with hazardous alcohol use were less likely to believe that alcohol contributes to health problems (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.92; p<0.05) and were also less likely to choose a highly effective strategy as the best way for the government to reduce alcohol problems (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.91; p=0.01). Queenslanders with hazardous alcohol use were less likely to believe that alcohol was a major contributor to injury (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.77; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that people with hazardous alcohol use tend to underestimate the negative effect of alcohol consumption on health and its contribution to injuries. In addition, Albertans with hazardous alcohol use were less in favor of strategies considered highly effective to reduce alcohol harm, probably because they perceive them as a potential threat to their own alcohol consumption. These findings represent valuable sources of information for local health authorities and policymakers when designing suitable strategies to target alcohol-related problems.

The impact of policies regulating alcohol trading hours and days on specific alcohol-related harms: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports the expectation that changes in time of alcohol sales associate with changes in alcohol-related harm in both directions. However, to the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive systematic reviews had examined the effect of policies restricting time of alcohol trading on specific alcohol-related harms. OBJECTIVE: To compile existing evidence related to the impact of policies regulating alcohol trading hours/days of on specific harm outcomes such as: assault/violence, motor vehicle crashes/fatalities, injury, visits to the emergency department/hospital, murder/homicides and crime. METHODS: Systematic review of literature studying the impact of policies regulation alcohol trading times in alcohol-related harm, published between January 2000 and October 2016 in English language. RESULTS: Results support the premise that policies regulating times of alcohol trading and consumption can contribute to reduce injuries, alcohol-related hospitalisations/emergency department visits, homicides and crime. Although the impact of alcohol trading policies in assault/violence and motor vehicle crashes/fatalities is also positive, these associations seem to be more complex and require further study. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests a potential direct effect of policies that regulate alcohol trading times in the prevention of injuries, alcohol-related hospitalisations, homicides and crime. The impact of these alcohol trading policies in assault/violence and motor vehicle crashes/fatalities is less compelling.

Erratum to "Prevalence of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2012/825107.].

Hazardous Alcohol Use in 2 Countries: A Comparison Between Alberta, Canada and Queensland, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: This article aimed to compare alcohol consumption between the populations of Queensland in Australia and Alberta in Canada. Furthermore, the associations between greater alcohol consumption and socio-demographic characteristics were explored in each population. METHODS: Data from 2500 participants of the 2013 Alberta Survey and the 2013 Queensland Social Survey were analyzed. Regression analyses were used to explore the associations between alcohol risk and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: A higher rate of hazardous alcohol use was found in Queenslanders than in Albertans. In both Albertans and Queenslanders, hazardous alcohol use was associated with being between 18 and 24 years of age. Higher income, having no religion, living alone, and being born in Canada were also associated with alcohol risk in Albertans; while in Queenslanders, hazardous alcohol use was also associated with common-law marital status. In addition, hazardous alcohol use was lower among respondents with a non-Catholic or Protestant religious affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age was associated with greater hazardous alcohol use in both populations. In addition, different socio-demographic factors were associated with hazardous alcohol use in each of the populations studied. Our results allowed us to identify the socio-demographic profiles associated with hazardous alcohol use in Alberta and Queensland. These profiles constitute valuable sources of information for local health authorities and policymakers when designing suitable preventive strategies targeting hazardous alcohol use. Overall, the present study highlights the importance of analyzing the socio-demographic factors associated with alcohol consumption in population-specific contexts.