Injury epidemiology
-
Injury epidemiology · Mar 2021
The descriptive epidemiology of brand-specific gun ownership in the US: results from the 2019 National Lawful Use of Guns Survey.
No previous study has identified the specific brands of guns owned by gun owners. This study aimed to: (1) ascertain and describe patterns of brand- and model-specific gun ownership among US gun owners; and (2) investigate the relationship between gun owners' brand and model preferences and their attitudes towards common firearm violence prevention policies. ⋯ We conclude that gun brands and models are strong predictors of a gun owner's attitudes regarding firearm-related policies. This information could help public health practitioners develop segment-specific communications that will appeal to each group in order to more effectively engage gun owners in firearm violence prevention.
-
Injury epidemiology · Mar 2021
The effect of the lockdown executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic in recent trauma admissions in Puerto Rico.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to world-wide restrictions on social activities to curb the spread of this disease. Very little is known about the impact of these restrictions on trauma centers. Our objective was to determine the effect of the pandemic-associated lockdown on trauma admissions, patient's demographics, mechanisms of injury, injury severity, and outcomes in the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital. ⋯ Following periods of social isolation and curfews, trauma centers can expect drastic reductions in their overall patient volume with associated changes in trauma patterns. Our findings will help inform new interventions and improve healthcare preparedness for future or similar circumstances.