Differences in Injury Patterns and Delays in Care-Seeking Behaviors in the Anabaptist Population

J Trauma Nurs. 2024 Sep-Oct;31(5):233-241. doi: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000807. Epub 2024 Sep 6.

Abstract

Background: The lifestyle differences of Anabaptists and their views on health care may yield different injury patterns than standard populations and require a customized approach to injury prevention and health care delivery.

Objective: To identify differences in injury patterns and delays in care-seeking behaviors among the Anabaptists in Wisconsin.

Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted from (23 years) January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023. Local Trauma Registry data collected patient demographics, injury details, morbidity outcomes, in-hospital mortality, and preexisting comorbidity. Anabaptist trauma patients were isolated by confirmed identification in the Trauma Registry. The analysis utilized both descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model with the outcome of Anabaptist.

Results: A total of 14,431 patients were included in the analysis; 81 (0.4%) were confirmed as Anabaptist. The Anabaptist population showed a higher likelihood of helicopter transportation (odds ratio [OR] 4.64, p < .01) and an activation of Pediatric Level I (OR 4.07, p < .01). As the emergency department shock index increased by one unit, the odds of being Anabaptist increased by 9.87 (p < .01). The injury mechanisms that were associated with the Anabaptist population included buggy collisions (OR 312.58, p < .01), caught or crushed (OR 5.21, p = .01), machinery (OR 5.38, p < .01), near drowning (OR 14.09, p < .01), scooter (OR 13.93, p = .04), and woodworking (OR 12.81, p = .01).

Conclusions: This study identified differences in injury patterns and delays in care-seeking behaviors in the Anabaptist population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care* / statistics & numerical data
  • Registries
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Wisconsin
  • Wounds and Injuries* / epidemiology