Risk Factors For Traumatic Injury Research Articles

Trauma Patterns in Patients Attending the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia Following the Impact of Alcohol Consumption on the Trauma Patterns and Its Outcomes in Patients

Background: Alcohol consumption is a common risk factor for traumatic injuries, and its effect on the clinical outcomes of trauma patients remains controversial. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol on the outcomes of Saudi Arabian trauma patients. Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of three years, from January 2020 to February 2023. Any adult aged 16 years or above who required emergency care due to any type of trauma was included. Patients were divided into two groups based on alcohol use. We compared demographic characteristics, injury mechanisms, clinical variables, interventions, and outcomes between the two groups. Results: There were 560 patients who reported alcohol consumption and 2590 patients who did not consume alcohol. The alcohol group had higher SBP (p<0.001), lower RR (p<0.001), lower HR (p<0.001), and higher lactate levels (p=0.032). They also had a longer hospital length of stay (10 vs. 7 days, p<0.001), more ventilator days (7 vs. 4 days, p<0.001), higher rates of surgical treatment (44% vs 18%, p<0.001), and higher mortality rates (8% vs. 3%, p<0.001) compared to the non-alcohol group. Conclusion: Our study suggests that alcohol use in patients with trauma is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including longer hospital stays, higher rates of surgical treatment, and increased mortality. These findings have significant implications for clinical practice in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of efforts to limit alcohol intake among Saudi Arabians.

Field conditions is a risk factor for traumatic injury in youth football-A joint venture of medicine and hydrology.

The risk of traumatic injury in football has been suggested to be affected by field conditions. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate whether near surface water content of the football field, influenced the risk of traumatic injuries during a youth football tournament. At Dana Cup, an annual international youth football tournament in Denmark, all injuries were registered and classified at the on-site emergency department over 7 years. The incidence rate of traumatic injury was computed. Meteorological data and soil characteristics were used to simulate near surface water content of the playing fields. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) between water content and injury incidence rate was analyzed using a multivariate Poisson regression, controlling for tournament stage and demographical parameters. About 2704 injuries were recorded corresponding to a risk time of 284 905 player hours. An inverse relation between water contents and the incidence rate of traumatic injury was found (IRR = 0.24 95% CI 0.1-0.7, p = 0.01). The incidence rate of traumatic injury increased with advancing tournament stage, that is, for the finals (IRR = 4.30 95% CI 2.8-6.6, p < 0.001). Also we found an interaction between dry fields and the final stage of tournament, further exacerbating this effect. Our data suggest that the incidence rate of traumatic injury is increased with drier field conditions and advanced tournament stages.

Trends and outcomes of trauma patients positive to marijuana and cocaine

PurposeSubstance misuse has long been recognized as a major predisposing risk factor for traumatic injury. However, there still exists no clear scientific consensus regarding the impact of drug use on patient outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the demographic profile, hospital-course factors, and outcomes of trauma patients based on their toxicology.MethodsThis is a non-concurrent cohort study of 3709 patients treated at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital during 2002–2018. The sample was divided into four groups according to their toxicology status. Statistical techniques used included Pearson’s chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and negative binomial and logistic regressions.ResultsAdmission rates for marijuana (rho = 0.87) and marijuana and cocaine positive (rho = 0.68) patients increased. Positive toxicology patients underwent surgery more often than negative testing patients (marijuana: 68.7%, cocaine: 65.6%, marijuana & cocaine: 69.8%, negative: 57.0%). Among patients with non-penetrating injuries, a positive toxicology for cocaine or marijuana was linked to a 48% and 42% increased adjusted risk of complications, 37% and 27% longer TICU LOS, and 32% and 18% longer hospital LOS, respectively.ConclusionOur results show an association between positive toxicology for either marijuana, cocaine, or both with higher need for surgery. Additionally, our results show an increase in complications, TICU LOS, and hospital LOS among non-penetrating trauma patients testing positive for marijuana or cocaine. Therefore, this study provides valuable information on the clinical profile of patients with positive toxicology, suggesting they might benefit from more aggressive management.

Traumatic surfing injuries in New Zealand: a descriptive epidemiology study.

BackgroundNew Zealand (NZ) has nearly 14,000 km of coastline and a surfing population of approximately 315,000 surfers. Given its popularity, surfing has a high frequency of injury claims, however, there remains a lack of data on traumatic surfing-related injuries from large population studies. The primary purpose of this study was to examine traumatic surfing injuries in NZ specific to injury incidence, duration, location, type, mechanism of injury and associated risk factors.MethodsA sample of self-identified surfers currently living in NZ participated in an online retrospective cross-sectional survey between December 2015 and July 2016. Demographic and surfing injury data were collected and analysed.ResultsThe survey yielded 1,473 respondents (18.3% female); a total of 502 surfers reported 702 major traumatic injuries with an overall incidence proportion of 0.34 (95% CI [0.32–0.37]). When comparing the number of injured surfers who sustained an injury at various body locations, a significantly higher proportion of competitive surfers, compared to recreational surfers, had an injury at the neck (6.8% vs 4%, χ2 (1,1473) = 5.84, P = 0.019); shoulder (7.4% vs 4.3%, χ2 (1,1473) = 6.34, P = 0.017), upper back (1% vs 2.4%, χ2 (1,1473) = 4.77, P = 0.043), lower back (7% vs 3.1%, χ2 (1,1473) = 11.98, P = 0.001) and knee (7% vs 3.4%, χ2 (1,1473) = 9.67, P = 0.003). A significantly higher proportion of surfers who performed aerial manoeuvres compared to those who did not reported a higher proportion of knee injuries (9.7% vs 3.9%, χ2 (1,1473) = 13.00, P = 0.001). With respect to injury duration, the shoulder represented the largest proportion of chronic injuries (>3 months) (44.4%), and the head and face represented the largest proportion of acute injuries (≤3 months) (88%). Muscle and tendon injuries were reported most frequently (25.6%) and direct contact injuries accounted for 58.1% of all injury mechanisms. Key risk factors for traumatic injury included: competitive compared to recreational status (41.0% vs 30.1%, Relative Risk (RR) = 1.36, P < 0.001), ability to perform aerial manoeuvres (48.1% vs 31.8%, RR = 1.51, P < 0.001) and intermediate or above skill level surfers compared to beginner surfers (35.8% vs 22.7%, RR = 1.58, P < 0.001).ConclusionOne third of recreational surfers sustained a major traumatic injury in the previous 12 months. For competitive or aerialist surfers the risk was greater, with this proportion approximately half. Overall, the head/face was the most common location of traumatic injury, with competitive surfers being more likely to sustain a neck, shoulder, lower back, and knee injury compared to recreational surfers. The shoulder was associated with the highest proportion of injuries of chronic duration. Future research should investigate injury mechanisms and causation using prospective injury monitoring to better underpin targeted injury prevention programs.

Biological Maturity Status, Anthropometric Percentiles, and Core Flexion to Extension Strength Ratio as Possible Traumatic and Overuse Injury Risk Factors in Youth Alpine Ski Racers: A Four-Year Prospective Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate prospectively the role of biological maturity status, anthropometric percentiles, and core flexion to extension strength ratios in the context of traumatic and overuse injury risk identification in youth ski racing. In this study, 72 elite youth ski racers (45 males, 27 females) were prospectively observed from the age of 10 to 14 years. Anthropometric parameters, biological maturity status, and core flexion to extension strength ratios were assessed twice per year. Type and severity of traumatic and overuse injuries were prospectively recorded during the 4 years. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the binary outcome (0: no injury; 1: ≥1 injury). Factors tested on association with injury risk were sex, relative age quarter, age, maturity group, puberty status, core flexion to extension strength ratio, height percentile group, and weight percentile group. In total, 104 traumatic injuries and 39 overuse injuries were recorded. Age (odds ratio (OR) = 3.36) and weight percentile group (OR = 0.38) were significant risk factors for traumatic injuries (tendency: pubertal status). No significant risk factor for overuse injuries was identified (tendency: maturity group, puberty status, height percentile group). Future studies should focus on identifying risk factors for overuse injuries; growth rates might be of importance.

Risk Factors for Traumatic Injuries in Children with Autism

Autism is a lifetime developmental disability. Autism affects individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and social classes. Traumatic dental injuries are very common among children in India. TDI is most common among pre-adolescent and adolescent age groups. 16 patients were taken up in the study. Data was collected by reviewing the case sheets of patients with autism disorder from June 2019-April 2020. Data was tabulated and statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 19 using chi square test. It was found that 31.25% of the boys were affected with trauma in the study. Fall (80%) was the most common risk factor associated with trauma. Maxillary central incisors (37.5%) were the commonly fractured teeth. The results were statistically significant, since the p value was

316 Prospective Assessment of Pediatric Medical Emergencies and Risk Factors for Traumatic Injuries in the Pediatric Emergency Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

The epidemiology and presence of risk factors for pediatric traumatic and medical emergencies in Kenya and resource-limited settings are not well understood. This is a barrier to providing quality, acute care within the local health systems. We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study that aimed to (1) describe the epidemiology of visits to the Pediatric Emergency Unit (PEU) at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, Kenya; and (2), to describe the risk factors for traumatic injuries among PEU patients. Patients were enrolled prospectively using systematic sampling over 6 weeks in the KNH PEU. Demographic data, PEU visit data and traumatic risk factors were collected directly from patients or guardians and through chart review. Descriptive data are presented as percentages. Of the 332 patients included, a majority were female (56%). Patients ranged from 2 days to 12 years old and 76% were under 5 years of age. The most common presenting chief complaints were cough (40%), fever (34%), and nausea/vomiting (19%). The most common final diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infections (27%), followed by gastroenteritis (11%), and pneumonia (8%). The majority of patients (77%) were discharged from the PEU, while 22% were admitted. Regarding injury prevention practices in this sample, the majority (68%) of guardians reported their child never used seatbelts or car seats. Of 68 patients who rode bicycles/motorbikes, just 1 (1.5%) reported helmet use. More than half cook at potentially dangerous heights; 35% use a low stove, and 25% cook on the floor. Respiratory tract infections, fevers, and gastrointestinal illnesses are the most common reasons patients present for care in the PEU. The majority of the patients in our sample do not utilize preventive measures such as seatbelts, helmets, or safe cooking methods. The epidemiology described by this study provides a framework for improving public health education and provider training in resource-limited settings such as KNH.

Limb symmetry index in competitive alpine ski racers: Reference values and injury risk identification according to age-related performance levels

PurposeThe aims of this study were to assess differences of limb symmetry index (LSI) in strength- and coordination-related tasks between high-level, competitive, noninjured ski racers of different age-related performance levels and to prospectively assess limb differences as a possible risk factor for traumatic and overuse injury in youth ski racers. MethodsThe study (Study 1) included 285 high-level competitive ski racers (125 females, 160 males) of 3 age-related performance levels and based on the school system: 95 youth (10–14 years, secondary modern school), 107 adolescent (15–19 years, grammar school), and 83 elite athletes (20–34 years). To investigate the second aim (Study 2), 67 of the 95 youth athletes were included and any traumatic or overuse injuries were prospectively recorded over 2 seasons. All athletes performed 4 unilateral tests (strength related: one-leg counter movement jump (OL-CMJ) and one-leg isometric/isokinetic press strength test (OL-ILS); coordination related: one-leg stability test (OL-ST) and one-leg speedy jump test (OL-SJ)). The LSI was calculated by dividing the dominant leg by the nondominant leg and multiplying by 100. Kruskal-Wallis H tests and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. ResultsThere were significant differences between the LSI of the 3 age-related performance-level groups only in the strength-related tests: the OL-CMJ (χ²(2, 285) = 9.09; p = 0.01) and the OL-ILS (χ²(2, 285) = 14.79; p < 0.01). The LSI for OL-ILS was found to be a significant risk factor for traumatic injury in youth ski racers (Wald = 7.08; p < 0.01). No significant risk factors were found for overuse injuries. ConclusionYounger athletes display slightly greater LSI values only in the strength-related tests. The cut-off value of limb differences of <10% for return to sport decisions seems to be appropriate for elite athletes, but for youth and adolescent athletes it has to be critically discussed. It seems to be necessary to define thresholds based on specific performance tasks (strength vs. coordination related) rather than on generalizations, and age-related performance levels must be considered. Limb differences in unilateral leg extension strength represent a significant injury risk factor in youth ski racers.

Traumatic injuries in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality in patients sustained traumatic injuries. Identification of risk factors of traumatic injuries that lead to hospital admissions and death in DM patients is crucial to set effective preventive strategies. We aimed to conduct a traditional narrative literature review to describe the role of hypoglycemia as a risk factor of driving and fall-related traumatic injuries. DM poses significant burden as a risk factor and predictor of worse outcomes in traumatic injuries. Although there is no consensus on the impact and clear hazards of hyperglycemia in comparison to the hypoglycemia, both extremes of DM need to be carefully addressed and taken into consideration for proper management. Moreover, physicians, patients, and concerned authorities should be aware of all these potential hazards to share and establish the right management plans.

The Effect of Previous Traumatic Injury on Homicide Risk

Research has reported that a strong risk factor for traumatic injury is having a previous injury (i.e., recidivism). To date, the only study examining the relationship between recidivism and homicide reported strong associations, but was limited by possible selection bias. The current matched case-control study utilized coroner's data from 2004 to 2008. Subjects were linked to trauma registry data to determine whether the person had a previous traumatic injury. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between homicide and recidivism. Homicide risk was increased for those having a previous traumatic injury (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09-2.99) or a previous intentional injury (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24-5.17). These results suggest an association between homicide and injury recidivism, and that trauma centers may be an effective setting for screening individuals for secondary prevention efforts of homicide through violence prevention programs.

Alcohol Abuse and the Injured Host

Traumatic injury ranks as the number one cause of death for the younger than 44 years age group and fifth leading cause of death overall (www.nationaltraumainstitute.org/home/trauma_statistics.html). Although improved resuscitation of trauma patients has dramatically reduced immediate mortality from hemorrhagic shock, long-term morbidity and mortality continue to be unacceptably high during the postresuscitation period particularly as a result of impaired host immune responses to subsequent challenges such as surgery or infection. Acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) is a significant risk factor for traumatic injury, with intoxicating blood alcohol levels present in more than 40% of injured patients. Severity of trauma, hemorrhagic shock, and injury is higher in intoxicated individuals than that of sober victims, resulting in higher mortality rates in this patient population. Necessary invasive procedures (surgery, anesthesia) and subsequent challenges (infection) that intoxicated trauma victims are frequently subjected to are additional stresses to an already compromised inflammatory and neuroendocrine milieu and further contribute to their morbidity and mortality. Thus, dissecting the dynamic imbalance produced by AAI during trauma is of critical relevance for a significant proportion of injured victims. This review outlines how AAI at the time of hemorrhagic shock not only prevents adequate responses to fluid resuscitation but also impairs the ability of the host to overcome a secondary infection. Moreover, it discusses the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced hemodynamic dysregulation and its relevance to host defense restoration of homeostasis after injury.

Prevalence, causes, and correlates of traumatic dental injuries among seven-to-twelve-year-old school children in Dera Bassi

Aim:The paper aims to present a study conducted in Dera Bassi, Mohali, India. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in children of age group 7-12 years in private schools in Gulabgarh village.Material & Method:Age & sex distribution, etiological factors, risk factors and cause of injury were the parameters taken into consideration. The data collected was processed and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software program.Results:The overall prevalence of dental trauma was 14.5%, amongst the 880 subjects examined, out of which, 63.2% males and 36.4% females were found to be affected. The maxillary central incisor was found to be most commonly affected tooth (43.8%). The most common cause of injury reported was fall during playing (37.5%).Conclusion:Enamel fracture was most prevalent (50%). No risk factor was significantly higher than others; however children with Angle's class II div 1 malocclusion exhibited greater risk factor for traumatic injuries.

Substance Use and Facial Injury

The use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a common theme in patients presenting with traumatic injury to trauma centers. In addition to associated patient care issues, these common precipitants of clinician contact and costly hospitalizations present a particular fiscal challenge to our trauma care systems and compromise their ability to provide conventional medical services. Estimates compiled by the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Injury Prevention and Control indicate that the costs of injury are higher than those of any other health problem, and are roughly equal to the costs associated with heart disease (second most costly) and cancer (third most costly) combined. Similar injury trends are increasingly manifest in children and adolescents; between 2002 and 2004, more than 13 million emergency department isits in the United States involved adolescents 10 to 19 years of age, with injury onstituting 42% of these visits. Given that alcohol and substance use are common antecedent risk factors for traumatic injury, a significant portion of facial injuries should be considered as preventable. The focus of this article is to: (1) detail the connection between substance use and orofacial injuries among adults and adolescents, (2) discuss the sequelae of substance-use–related orofacial injuries (ie, complications and reinjury), and (3) discuss the need for collaborative care across disciplines.

Antioxidant Therapy Attenuates Deficient Bone Fracture Repair Associated With Binge Alcohol Exposure

Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for traumatic injuries of all types and has been shown to produce detrimental effects on bone metabolism. Although the mechanisms responsible for these detrimental effects are not well characterized, oxidative stress from alcohol exposure appears to play a central role. This study was designed to examine the effect of a short-term binge alcohol consumption pattern on fracture repair and the effect of an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, on fracture healing after binge alcohol consumption. One hundred forty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral closed femur fracture after injection of either saline or alcohol to simulate a binge alcohol cycle. Animals in the antioxidant treatment group received daily N-acetylcysteine after fracture. Femurs were harvested at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after injury and underwent biomechanical testing and histologic analysis. Binge alcohol administration was associated with significant decreases in biomechanical strength at 1- and 2-week time points with a trend toward decreased strength at 4- and 6-week time points as well. Alcohol-treated animals had less cartilage component within the fracture callus and healed primarily by intramembranous ossification. Administration of N-acetylcysteine in alcohol-treated animals improved biomechanical strength to levels comparable to the control animals and was associated with increased endochondral ossification. Our results indicate that binge alcohol alters the quality of fracture healing after a traumatic injury and that concurrent administration of an antioxidant is able to reverse these effects.

Association between Alcohol Screening Results and Hospitalizations for Trauma in Veterans Affairs Outpatients

Background: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for traumatic injury, but it is unknown whether responses to alcohol screening questionnaires administered routinely in primary care are associated with subsequent hospitalization for traumatic injury. Objective: We evaluated the association between alcohol screening scores and the risk for subsequent hospitalizations for trauma among Veterans Affairs (VA) general medicine patients. Method: This study included VA outpatients (n = 32,623) at seven sites who returned mailed surveys (1997–1999). Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) scores grouped patients into six drinking categories representing nondrinkers, screen-negative drinkers, and drinkers who screened positive for mild, moderate, severe, and very severe alcohol misuse (scores 0, 1–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–12, respectively). VA administrative and Medicare data identified primary discharge diagnoses for trauma. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of trauma-related hospitalization for each drinking group adjusted for demographics, smoking, and comorbidity. Results: Compared with screen-negative drinkers, patients with severe and very severe alcohol misuse (AUDIT-C 8–9 and ≥10) were at significantly increased risk for trauma-related hospitalization over the follow-up period (adjusted hazard ratios AUDIT-C: 8–9 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31– 3.24 and AUDIT-C≥10 2.13, 95% CI 1.32–3.42). Conclusions: Patients with severe and very severe alcohol misuse had a twofold increased risk of hospital admission for trauma compared to drinkers without alcohol misuse. Scientific Significance: Alcohol screening scores could be used to provide feedback to patients regarding risk of trauma-related hospitalization. Findings could be used by providers during brief alcohol-related interventions with patients with alcohol misuse.

Identification of risk factors for traumatic injury in the general horse population of north‐west England, Midlands and north Wales

Traumatic injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the horse and consequently pose a serious threat to horses' wellbeing. To date, there have been no published studies assessing the frequency of injuries in the general horse population of the UK. To obtain information regarding husbandry management strategies and injury prevalence in horses aged ≤15 years, with the aim of identifying predisposing risk factors for injury. A postal questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected sample of horse owners across north-west England, Midlands and north Wales. Factors associated with injury were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis performed with the binary outcome variable defined as whether or not the horse had sustained an injury within the previous 12 months. A usable questionnaire response rate of 68% (652/953) was achieved. Forty percent of horses had sustained a traumatic injury within the past year, of which 62% occurred in the field and 13% during ridden exercise. Factors identified as being associated with an increased risk of traumatic injury included the following: breed other than cob or pony (P = 0.001), shorter duration of ownership (P = 0.002), being turned out with an increasing number of horses (P = 0.001), being used for competitive (P = 0.001) or Parelli (P = 0.006) purposes. Stabling at all times during the spring (P = 0.005), the use of wood fencing in paddocks (P = 0.05) and being prone to becoming distressed if left alone in a field (P = 0.04) were also found to be associated with an increased risk of injury. Stabling at all times during winter was associated with a decreased risk of injury (P = 0.006). Risk factors for sustaining injuries have been identified in association with management practices. This information may be used to educate owners regarding management of their horse(s) in order to prevent injury.

Economic sanctions, military activity, and road traffic crashes in Vojvodina, Serbia

Background:Political violence has not been examined as a risk factor for traumatic injuries from road traffic crashes.Objective:To identify trends in road traffic crashes related to war-related military activity and international...

A modified method of mouthguard fabrication for orthodontic patients

Orthodontic appliances are one of the major risk factors for traumatic injuries during sports events. As it is difficult to take precise impressions with orthodontic appliances, fabricated custom-made mouthguards (MGs) often have poor retention or are too tight causing the disturbance of orthodontic treatments. The purpose of this article is to describe a method for custom-made MG fabrication using sheet and tube materials, with which better MG retention and rigidity as well as pressure control to the orthodontic appliances can be easily achieved.

Injury in Australian veterinarians

There are a number of risk factors for traumatic injury in veterinary practice but there is little information on the prevalence of injuries or the factors associated with injury in this profession. To identify the prevalence of injuries sustained by veterinarians and the groups most at risk for different types of injury. Cross-sectional survey of Australian veterinarians. Subjects were asked whether they had ever had a significant work-related injury, a less serious acute work injury in the last 12 months, a work-related chronic musculoskeletal problem or dog or cat bites. The prevalence of injuries by gender, practice type and decade of graduation were reported and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the risk of each type of injury. Of 2800 veterinarians, over half (51%) reported a significant work-related injury during their career while 26% of practitioners reported having at least one injury in the previous 12 months. Chronic work-related musculoskeletal problems were reported by 49% of respondents. Dog and cat bites were also very common. After adjusting for graduation year and university, males were more likely than females to have experienced cat or dog bites or have a chronic or significant injury, and large animal veterinarians were most likely to have chronic or significant injuries. A high injury prevalence was found among Australian veterinarians with large animal practitioners at highest risk. This is the largest study of Australian veterinarians to have been reported and has shown that injuries are common and serious in the profession.

Behavioral and psychological risk factors for traumatic injury

The objectives of the present study were to determine the behavioral and psychological risk factors associated with injury. The most widely investigated risk factor for injury is alcohol use. However, other behavioral and psychological risk factors may also contribute to injuries. This study examined the association of alcohol use, injury-related risk behaviors, and psychological characteristics with injury status. A hospital-based case control study of 177 patients admitted for treatment of traumatic injury, and 195 general surgery patients as controls, was conducted. Alcohol use, injury-related risk behaviors, impulsivity, sensation seeking, and risk perception were assessed. The results from a multivariate analysis controlling for age, gender, and ethnicity indicated that, in addition to alcohol consumption (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.5), driving (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.7–3.5) and violence-related risk behaviors (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0–2.2) are significantly associated with injury. In conclusion, the engagement in injury-related risk behaviors, including alcohol use, is strongly associated with injury status. Brief interventions that directly address these behavioral risk patterns in injured patients may reduce their risk of future injury.