Fireworks-related injury surveillance in the Philippines: trends in 2010–2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.v6i4.342Abstract
Background
Analysis from 2010 - 2014 annual fireworks-related injury surveillance by the Department of Health (DOH) was done in order to determine trends and describe the profile of fireworks injuries in the Philippines.
Methods
A descriptive study was done. Surveillance data on fireworks-related injuries from 2010 - 2014 were gathered through the DOH’s Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS) and was analyzed using Stata/SE 12.0 for Windows (StataCorp LP, Lake Drive, TX, USA). This cases is defined as any person who sustained injury from fireworks in any form between the 16 day surveillance period (December 21 to January 5) and has presented to any of the 50 sentinel hospitals.
Results
There were 4,649 cases of FRI between 2010 and 2014. Over that period, decrease in the incidence of injuries has been observed (p=0.02). Peaks of injuries occur during holidays. Males (80%) were more commonly injured. Age–group most affected was 5–14years (46.5%). Ignition of Illegal fireworks accounted for majority (58%) of injuries where legal status of pyrotechnic material is known. This includes 100% of deaths and 56% of amputations. Most (68%) reported FRI occurred in street settings. The majority of injuries (57%) were sustained by fireworks igniters. Anatomic site of injury include hands (43%) followed by legs (21%) and eyes (15%).
Discussion
The occurrence of uncomplicated FRI is significantly declining; however severe injuries are not declining. One possible explanation is that public awareness campaigns have more impact on the use of legal fireworks than illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks accounted for all deaths and the majority of amputations.
Conclusion
Law enforcement efforts should be directed towards elimination of importation, distribution, and use of illegal fireworks.
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Please cite the articles as follows: [Author names]. [Article title]. Western Pac Surveill Response J. [Year]; [Volume] ([Issue]). [doi number] [pmid number]
For example, Hoy D, Saketa ST, Maraka RR, Sio A, Wanyeki I, Frison P, et al. Enhanced syndromic surveillance for mass gatherings in the Pacific: a case study of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts in Solomon Islands, 2012. Western Pac Surveill Response J. 2016;7:3. doi:10.5365/wpsar.2016.7.1.004 pmid:27766181
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