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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the criterion validity and responsiveness to changes over time of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36) measure. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 775 patients 16 to 78 years treated for an unintentional injury at the hospital or emergency clinic in Drammen, Norway was selected for the study. Data about activity restrictions and health status measured by SF-36 were obtained by a postal questionnaire 6-10 weeks after the injury. A follow up survey was sent 24-28 weeks later to all who reported activity restriction at the time of the first survey. Fifty two of these replied (63%). RESULTS: 469 patients responded to the survey questionnaire and of these, 82 experienced some restriction of activity. These scored lower (p < 0.01) on all eight SF-36 health dimensions (physical functioning, social functioning, role limitation (physical), role limitation (emotional), bodily pain, mental health, vitality, and general health) than the 387 patients without activity restriction. Scores on physical functioning, social functioning, role limitation (physical), bodily pain, and vitality significant improved (p < 0.01) among the 52 patients who were followed up. Scores on the other dimensions, however, showed no significant changes over time. CONCLUSION: The MOS SF-36 appears to be a valid instrument, responsive to changes in health status over time among unintentionally injured adult people. Thus it may be possible to use the SF-36 to describe changes in health due to injury. The applicability of this or similar measures for injured children remains to be established.

OBJECTIVES: The risk of injury to children riding bicycles has been previously documented. However, the specific risk arising from the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation to and from school is unknown. This study examines the incidence of bicycle related injuries among school age children. METHODS: A comprehensive prospective injury registration system was established in Stavanger, Norway. Data were obtained from this system to identify bicycle related injuries occurring from 1990-3 to children aged 10-15. The incidence of injuries was computed for two groups of children: (1) children cycling to school and (2) children cycling for other purposes. RESULTS: 352 children received medical treatment for bicycle related injuries, 12.6/1000 bicycle riders; 108 (30%) of the 352 children were injured while cycling to or from school. The incidence of bicycle related injuries was significantly higher for boys than girls. Seventy seven per cent of the injuries occurred in a non-collision accident, 9% in a collision with another bicycle, and 14% in a collision with a motor vehicle. Twenty per cent of the injured children sustained upper head injuries and 13% required inpatient treatment. Average maximum abbreviated injury severity (MAIS) score was similar for the injuries sustained during travel to/from school and other injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle related injuries occurring during travel to or from school are a significant contributor to the total incidence of bicycle related injuries. Increased attention among parents, school officials, public health officials, and medical professionals should be paid to this health risk.