Public health reports
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Public health reports · Jan 2005
Influence of social factors on avoidable mortality: a hospital-based case-control study.
The effect of socioeconomic factors on avoidable mortality at an individual level is not well known, since most studies showing this association are based on aggregate data. The purpose of this study was to determine socioeconomic differences between those patients who die of avoidable causes and those who do not die. ⋯ Consistent with the findings of studies based on aggregate data, our case-control analyses indicated that among several socioeconomic variables studied, educational level was significantly associated with the risk of in-hospital avoidable mortality, regardless of age and medical care indicators. Patients with low levels of education (<6 years of schooling) were at highest risk for in-hospital avoidable mortality, followed by those with middle levels of education (7-10 years of schooling).
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Public health reports · Jan 2005
Comparative StudySevere injury among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children in Washington state.
The authors' anecdotal experience at a regional Level I trauma center was that Hispanic children were overrepresented among burn patients, particularly among children with burns due to scalding from hot food. This study describes injury incidence and severity among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white infants, children, and adolescents with serious traumatic injuries in Washington State. ⋯ The study found little difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white infants, children, and adolescents in the burden of traumatic pediatric injury. However, burns, guns, drowning, and being pierced/cut appeared to be particularly important mechanisms of injury for Hispanic children. More specific investigations targeted toward these injury types are needed to identify the underlying preventable risk factors involved.
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Public health reports · Sep 2004
Comparative StudyFatal traumatic brain injury, West Virginia, 1989-1998.
The objective of this study was to describe fatal cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among West Virginia residents. ⋯ Data presented in this report can be used to develop targeted prevention programs in West Virginia.