Citation

Saadat S, Karbakhsh M. BMC Public Health 2011; 11(1): 631.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/1471-2458-11-631

PMID

21819609

PMCID

PMC3170248

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spring cleaning is a popular tradition in Iran as well as in many other countries. The purpose of our study was to determine the pattern and compare the incidence of spring-cleaning related injuries in Tehran, in the years 2007 and 2008. METHODS: In the year 2007, a household survey was performed in Tehran by random cluster sampling. The survey was repeated in May 2008 with the same clusters and starting points, but different households. The incidence of spring-cleaning related injuries, the age and sex of injured person(s), the mechanism, type and cost of injuries were recorded through semi-structured interviews. The incidence rates of injuries and injuries leading to health visits (severe) according to sex and age groups were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA statistical softwares. RESULTS: The incidence of all and severe spring cleaning related injuries were 3.8 (3.0 - 4.8) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3) per 1000, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injuries were falls, followed by cutting and lifting heavy objects or overexertion. Falls were also the main mechanism of severe injuries. The most common injuries were open wounds, followed by superficial injuries (including contusions) and sprain and strain. Among severe injuries, the most frequent injuries were open wounds and contusions, followed by dislocations. The injuries were most common among women with an incidence of about 8.4 per 1000 in women older than 18 years of age (severe injuries: 3.4 per 1000 (2.2-5.1)). CONCLUSION: The incidence of spring cleaning related injuries is high enough to raise concern in health system authorities. It could be estimated that each year about 23,927 to 38,283 persons get injured during spring cleaning in Tehran of whom about 8,773-18,344 seek medical attention. Improving awareness of families especially young women regarding the scope and importance of spring cleaning can be suggested as the first population-based strategy to decrease the incidence of these injuries.

Language: en