Citation

Shen J, Feng Z, Zeng G, Zhu BP. Epidemiology 2009; 20(6): 892-895.

Affiliation

Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program, Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; bOffice for Disease Control and Emergency Response, Xiamen Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiamen City, Fujian.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181bb552f

PMID

19797965

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Little is known about risk factors for typhoon-related injury. METHODS:: On 10 August 2006, Typhoon Saomei (one of the strongest typhoons on record) struck Southern China. We conducted a census in Longhua Village, Fujian Province to assess typhoon-related injury, and carried out a matched case-control analysis to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS:: Of the 3002 residents interviewed, 136 (4.5%) were injured, and 7 were reported by family members to have died (2.3 per 1000). Injuries were highest with the first peak of wind speed. Living in houses directly facing the sea, compared with living in the last row of houses, was associated with an increased risk (relative risk = 18 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.7-55]). Important risk factors were failure to reinforce doors or windows (adjusted odds ratio = 13 [95% CI = 2.4-76]), staying in a damaged room (8.7 [2.5-31]), and staying near a window or door (12 [4.1-38]). CONCLUSIONS:: Injuries with typhoon Saomei were related to both wind speed and failure to take specific preventive measures.

Language: en