Citation

Branche CM, Sniezek JE, Sattin RW, Mirkin IR. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1991; 23(1): 13-17.

Affiliation

Division of Injury Control, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2021399

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries are a major public health problem, and costs to society may total $6.2 billion per year. Using a case-control design, we investigated risk factors for spinal injury in male Wisconsin residents who sustained their injuries during water recreational activity. Compared with the controls, the people who sustained spinal injury were more likely to have entered the water from a pier or dock; to have dived into water; and to have used alcohol. Injury prevention programs for water recreation enthusiasts should address the topics of the hazards of combining alcohol with these activities, how to enter natural bodies of water safely, and safe water levels for diving.