Citation

Davoudi-Kiakalayeh A, Mohammadi R, Yousefzadeh-Chabok S. Arch. Trauma Res. 2012; 1(3): 112-117.

Affiliation

Trauma Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, IR Iran.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Kowsar Publishing)

DOI

10.5812/atr.7690

PMID

24396758

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Drowning is a serious but neglected health problem in low-and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES: To describe the effectiveness of drowning prevention program on the reduction of drowning mortality rates in rural settings at the north of Iran, and guide its replication elsewhere. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This interventional design included pre- and post-intervention observations in the rural area of the Caspian Sea coastline without a comparison community. Cross-sectional data were collected at pre- and post-intervention phases. Outcome evaluation was based on a four-year period (March 2005-March 2009) utilizing drowning registry data for the north of Iran. RESULTS: The implementation program increased the rate of membership in an organization responsible for promoting safety in high risk areas near the Caspian Sea. Compared to a WHO standardized population, drowning incidence in rural areas of the study demonstrated a continuous decrease in age-specific drowning rate among the oldest victims with a gradual decline during the implementation. In the study area, the epidemiological aspects of the study population were exposed and contributing factors were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the promotion of passive interventions had a greater effect on drowning rate than that of active interventions.

Language: en