239877 Examination of Trauma Registry Data to Guide ATV Injury Prevention Efforts in Middle Tennessee

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Purnima Unni, MPH, CHES , Pediatric Surgery &Trauma Program, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
Stephen Morrow, MD , Pediatric Surgery &Trauma Program, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
Barbara Shultz, RN, BSN , Pediatric Emergency Services, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN
Background: The growing popularity of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) has resulted in a dramatic increase in ATV-related injuries. ATV injuries tend to be severe and likely to result in hospitalization. Children under the age of 16 years represented about 22% of all documented ATV fatalities and 25% of all ATV injuries (1982-2009). An investigation of hospitalizations due to ATV injuries can provide insights to guide appropriate regional injury prevention efforts.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of data (October 2006 - June 2009) from the trauma registry of a level one pediatric trauma center in Middle Tennessee was conducted. Patients below 16 years of age with ATV-related injuries were included in the analysis (n = 151). From the data, counties with higher injury rates among youth populations were identified with GIS software to prioritize locations for ATV safety training programs.

Results: More than half (52%) the ATV injuries were in the 10-14 years age group. Number of cases with severe injuries in this age group was greater than other age groups (36% vs. 31%). 68% of 10 -14 year olds also had not used helmets. The distribution of injuries is predominantly in non-metro/rural counties.

Conclusions: Given the popularity of ATVs and lack of enforceable legislation, it is important to provide ATV safety education through credible organizations that have strong roots in rural communities (e.g., 4-H agencies).Injury prevention efforts should be directed primarily to 10-14 year olds. Usage of safety gear and safe operation of ATVs should be emphasized.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. To analyze the nature of ATV-related injuries among children. 2. To explain implications for injury prevention efforts.

Keywords: Pediatrics, Injury Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: as the Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator I am responsible for analyzing injury data and implementing injury prevention programs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.