Water recreation-related spinal injuries: Risk factors in natural bodies of water

Christine M. Branche, Joseph E. Sniezek, Richard W. Sattin, Irene R. Mirkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spinal cord injuries are a major public health problem, and costs to society may total $6.2 billion per year. Using a case-control design, we investigated risk factors for spinal injury in male Wisconsin residents who sustained their injuries during water recreational activity. Compared with the controls, the people who sustained spinal injury were more likely to have entered the water from a pier or dock; to have dived into water; and to have used alcohol. Injury prevention programs for water recreation enthusiasts should address the topics of the hazards of combining alcohol with these activities, how to enter natural bodies of water safely, and safe water levels for diving.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13-17
Number of pages5
JournalAccident Analysis and Prevention
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1991
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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