The role of organizations in community participation--prevention of accidental injuries in a rural Swedish municipality

Abstract

Accidental injuries are a major public health problem in most of the industrialized world. It is no longer justifiable to accept accidents as unfortunate but unavoidable occurrences. Their prevention is important and appears increasingly possible. The health care sector is uniquely knowledgeable about health hazards and must be more involved in social planning. An intervention programme towards the prevention of accidental injuries based on local epidemiological data has since 1980 been conducted in a geographically defined population in Skaraborg County in western Sweden. This article describes a community intervention approach. The programme has been implemented in a local community with the application of a community oriented and organization oriented perspective. This has above all constituted a starting point for initiating the programme. The programme includes as well active as passive strategies and consists of information, education, supervision and changes in the physical environment. Intersectorial cooperation and community involvement are emphasized.