BACKGROUND: Studies show that the correct use of a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury during a crash involving a cyclist. Findings such as these have lead to the development of health education campaigns to promote the use of helmets. Some states, such as Massachusetts, passed laws mandating the use of bicycle helmets for all cyclists age 12 and under. OBJECTIVES: To examine the trend of bicycle-related head injury in Massachusetts, 1994 to 1998. METHODS: Hospital discharge data were analyzed to examine bicycle-related head injury rates and different head injury subcategories, including skull fracture, intracranial injuries, and open head wounds. Comparisons between different age groups were made and 95% confidence intervals will be calculated to determine the significance of the differences. RESULTS: Bicycle-related head injury rates among children 12 years old or younger dropped 8.7 per 100,000 in 1994 to 4.8 in 1996, there was no significant change after 1996. In this age group, there was also a decline in some head injury subcategories. At this point no significant change has been noted in the older population. CONCLUSIONS: There is a decrease in bicycle-related head injury in children age 12 and younger. Several factors may be responsible for this decrease. Possible explanations include that Massachusetts is following a National trend, the mandatory helmet law for cyclists12 and under in the state, or a decrease in younger cyclists. The authors recommend further studies to investigate the cause of the decrease.
Learning Objectives: To examine the trend of bicycle-related head injury in Massachusetts, 1994-1998
Keywords: Injury Prevention,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.