Here is the first installment of our Injury Insights: Research series. A selection of publications by BCIRPU researchers will be highlighted in this series.

CATT for Youth e-learning module improves concussion knowledge and belief among high school students (August 2024)

BCIRPU Authors: Shelina Babul, Shazya Karmali, Kate Turcotte 

Concussions are one the most common injuries among young people, with approximately 25% reporting at least one concussion during their lifetime. An evaluation of the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) for Youth e-learning course compared two groups: one receiving immediate access to CATT for Youth, and a delayed intervention group, on their concussion knowledge, reporting intentions, and beliefs pre-and post-completion of the course. Results showed significant improvements in general concussion knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, and beliefs about consequences in both groups. These results suggest CATT for Youth can enhance understanding of concussion and confidence in recognition and reporting among high school students.

Read more in the journal Health Education & Behaviour.

Examining children’s safety, injury prevention, and desirable play opportunities at playgrounds in low- to mid-income communities (August 2024)

BCIRPU Authors: Michelle E. E. Bauer, Ian Pike

Researchers partnered with the Society for Children & Youth of BC and the Thriving Kids Care Society to examine children’s perspectives on safety, injury prevention, and desirable play opportunities at playgrounds in Vancouver. Children aged 9 to 13-years-old participated in go-along, semi-structured, and photo-elicitation interviews as part of summer camp activities. Findings showed children feared falling from taller playground structures or structures without soft surfaces beneath them, and they wanted to play in environments they felt were exciting, challenging, and sanitary. The researchers advocated for the inclusion of children in injury prevention research and encouraged others to respect children’s right to voice their safety and play needs.

Read more in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning.

Study compares child abuse outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2024)

BCIRPU Authors: Ian Pike

This umbrella review examined 11 studies on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on child abuse and neglect. Outcomes during the pandemic were compared to those during pre-pandemic periods. The study revealed conflicting results of both increases and decreases that were heavily dependent on the data source used in the studies. With administrative data sources such as emergency department visits, or child protection service referrals, a trend of decreases in reported child abuse and neglect was seen. However, this may be due to the reduced access to health care due to lockdowns rather than an actual reduction in abuse. Other data sources suggested increases in harsh parenting practices during the pandemic. Studies that reported mixed results often found increases in emotional, neglect, and psychological abuse, alongside decreases in physical and sexual abuse, which may reflect the unique stressors and challenges faced by families during lockdowns, such as increased parental stress and reduced support networks. Ultimately, the review offers recommendations for enhancing surveillance, intervention strategies, and public awareness campaigns to better protect children during future emergencies.

Read more in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect.

Home injuries in British Columbia: patterns across the deprivation spectrum (July 2024)

BCIRPU Authors: Ian Pike, Umerdad Khudadad, Mojgan Karbakhsh, Anita Yau, Fahra Rajabali, and Alex Zheng

This study investigated the correlations between neighbourhood deprivation and hospitalization as a result of unintentional home injuries in BC between 2015 and 2019. Data from the Discharge Abstract Database and the national census were used to analyze injury rates across four dimensions of the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation: ethno-cultural composition, situational vulnerability, economic dependency, and residential instability.

Unintentional home injury rates were higher in areas with higher deprivation, such as those measuring high on situational vulnerability, economic dependency, and residential instability. Ethno-culturally diverse neighbourhoods, however, showed lower rates of unintentional home injury. Authors encourage further research to understand the cultural and social dynamics of diverse neighbourhoods that may contribute to lower injury rates. They also call for these findings to be used to develop targeted and inclusive initiatives to reduce disparities and improve home safety.

Read more in the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion.

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