Identifying a gap in drowning prevention: high-risk populations
Pidgeon, Stacey M., Franklin, Richard Charles, Leggat, Peter A., and Devine, Sue (2020) Identifying a gap in drowning prevention: high-risk populations. Injury Prevention, 26. pp. 279-288.
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Abstract
Introduction: Some populations have been less susceptible to reductions in drowning than others. It has been hypothesised that this is due to prevention strategies failing to account for the influence of social determinants (such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status). Populations such as ethnic minorities have been over-represented in injury statistics, however this is not well explored in drowning. This study aims to identify high-risk populations for drowning, risk factors and prevention strategies.
Methods: A literature review undertaken systematically using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach was conducted of peer-reviewed literature in English, published between 1990 and 2018 from high-income countries. Search terms included drowning, water safety, ethnic minority, migrant, and culturally diverse.
Results: In total, 35 articles were included. High-risk populations identified were: Ethnic minorities, First Nations/Aboriginal people, migrants and rural residents. Over half (51%) focused on children (0-18 years). Risk factors included social determinants, swimming ability and knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Four intervention studies were found; two focused on upskilling adults from high-risk populations to increase employment opportunities within the aquatic industry; an evaluation of a 10-year rock fishing safety education project and a learn-to-swim programme for minority children. Proposed prevention strategies included education, practical skills, research, policy and engagement.
Discussion: Limited literature exists pertaining to drowning among adults from high-risk populations. There is a need to increase the sophistication of drowning prevention strategies addressing the disparities in drowning from a culturally appropriate perspective. Acknowledging the role of the social determinants of health in drowning prevention is essential in order to improve drowning outcomes for high-risk populations globally.
| Item ID: | 61961 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1475-5785 |
| Keywords: | contexts, determinants, drowning, immigrant, indigenous, populations, refugee, risk |
| Copyright Information: | © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. |
| Funders: | Royal Life Saving Society, Australian Government Research Training Program, James Cook University |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2020 00:01 |
| FoR Codes: | 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4206 Public health > 420603 Health promotion @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920409 Injury Control @ 100% |
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