The finding that the dimensions of drinking operate differently explains the lack of consistency in previous research, which has investigated socioeconomic status and the volumes of alcohol consumed. The findings of higher quantities consumed among those of lower social status may explain some of the reduced life expectancy found among those with lower socioeconomic status.

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Objective-To evaluate the Waitakere Community Injury Prevention Project (WCIPP).Methods-Process and outcome evaluations were conducted over a three year period. Process activities included analysis of project documentation, participant observation, key informant interviews, and two post-implementation case studies. A quasiexperimental design was used for the outcome evaluation. Three primary sources of data were collected and analysed: injury statistics; a pre-post telephone survey (n=4000); and a pre-post organisation survey (n=144). Results-Process evaluation provided a comprehensive account of the operation and activities of the WCIPP. Findings stress the pivotal role of the coordinators and highlight the value of incorporating a multicultural approach. A positive impact on changes to Waitakere City Council safety policies and practices was also evident. Outcome evaluation findings demonstrated significant reductions in rates of Waitakere child injury hospitalisations (p<0.05), while comparison communities showed an increase in child hospitalisation rates. In addition, compared with pre-intervention and comparison data, significantly more Waitakere residents were aware of injury prevention safety messages (p=0.0001) and had acquired appropriate child safety items (p=0.0001). Conclusion-The community injury prevention model appears to be an eVective strategy for injury prevention. The support provided by the council for the WCIPP has provided a benchmark for the role of local governments in injury prevention. (Injury Prevention 2000;6:130-134)

Objectives: This study was designed to obtain New Zealand data on beliefs related to a broad spectrum of injuries and their prevention. Methods: A cross sectional phone survey was conducted of approximately 400 randomly selected households from each of 13 territorial local authorities across New Zealand, giving a total of 5282. Respondents were asked questions on awareness and attitudes to injury prevention, ownership and use of safety equipment, safety behaviours, and incidence of self reported injury. Results: 84% agreed with the statement that "Most injuries are preventable" and 91% rated their homes as "very safe" or "reasonably safe". A high proportion of homes had smoke alarms (81%) and first aid kits (81%), and more than half (56%) had turned down the temperature of their hot water to 55°C or lower. However, less than half of the respondents said that they practised the other safety behaviours. Significant associations were found between the practise of safety behaviours and respondents' home safety ratings. There was a significant association between home safety ratings and the incidence of injury occurring in all settings (p<0.0001), however there was no discernable association between home safety ratings and injury occurring in the home. Conclusions: Although this survey found that most respondents believed that injuries are preventable and considered their homes to be safe, the public need to be further encouraged to adopt common safety practices and behaviours in the home.