The New Zealand medical journal
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The concept of 'health equity' has become increasingly central to discussions around social determinants of health, and the resultant disparities in health outcomes. It has particular pertinence to paediatric populations in New Zealand: some of our most alarming disparities relate to child health, and there is increasing recognition of the need to reduce these inequities. Effective 'health equity' approaches in child health demand that clinicians broaden their roles to become strong advocates for social justice: in order to achieve progress in this area, it is essential that child health is prioritised at our most fundamental policy levels.
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Comparative Study
Deaths and hospital admissions as a result of home injuries among young and middle-aged New Zealand adults.
New Zealand lacks a comprehensive national profile of home injuries, this information is necessary to develop effective targeted injury prevention initiatives. This study describes the epidemiology of unintentional home injuries resulting in death or admission to hospital among young and middle-age New Zealanders. ⋯ Poisonings and falls are the leading causes of unintentional home injury death among young and middle-aged New Zealanders. In addition, falls are a significant contributor to home injury resulting in admission to hospital. The large numbers of home injuries occurring each year in New Zealand, mean that even moderately successful injury prevention interventions could have large impacts at the population level.