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Citation
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Kool B, Buller S, Kuriyan R, Jones-Todd CM, Newcombe D, Jones P. Injury 2018; 49(4): 798-805. |
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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: We present a study that provides a contemporary view of alcohol-related injury prevalence amongst patients presenting to a New Zealand (NZ) emergency department (ED).
METHODS: Adult injury patients presenting to Auckland City Hospital ED within 6 h of injury were invited to participate during three recruitment periods (2015-2016). An interviewer-administered questionnaire obtained information on demographic, injury, general health, and lifestyle factors. Breath alcohol samples were obtained. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted.
RESULTS: 501 patients participated (71% response rate), 21% had consumed alcohol within 6 h of their injury. The majority were male, and overall falls were the most common mechanism of injury among all patients. Alcohol-related injuries most commonly occurred at home, and were significantly more likely to occur during the weekend (Friday-Sunday) and night hours (23:00-06:59). After controlling for the effects of confounding; 'poor' general health, engaging in leisure activities at the time of injury, and injuries resulting from assaults were associated with increasing the odds of alcohol-related injury.
CONCLUSIONS: Acute alcohol use continues to play a considerable role in ED injury presentations in NZ. Continued policy, health promotion, and injury prevention efforts are required to reduce the harms associated with alcohol use.
Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Language: en |