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Snow avalanche deaths in Switzerland from 1995 to 2014—Results of a nation-wide linkage study

Author

Listed:
  • Claudia Berlin
  • Frank Techel
  • Beat Kaspar Moor
  • Marcel Zwahlen
  • Rebecca Maria Hasler
  • for the Swiss National Cohort study group

Abstract

Objectives: More than 20 people die each year in snow avalanches in Switzerland. Previous studies have primarily described these victims, but were not population based. We investigated sociodemographic factors for avalanche mortality between 1995 and 2014 in the entire Swiss resident population. Design and methods: Within the Swiss National Cohort we ascertained avalanche deaths by anonymous data linkage with the avalanche accident database at the Swiss WSL Institute of Snow and Avalanche Research SLF. We calculated incidence rates, by dividing the number of deaths from avalanches by the number of person-years, and hazard ratios (HRs) for sociodemographic and economic characteristics using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: The data linkage yielded 250 deaths from avalanche within the SNC population for the 20 years 1995 to 2014. The median distance between the place of residence and the place of the event (avalanche) was 61.1 km. Male gender, younger age (15–45 years), Swiss nationality, living in the Alpine regions, higher education, living in the highest socioeconomic quintile of neighbourhoods, being single, and living in a household with one or more children were associated with higher avalanche mortality rates. Furthermore, for younger persons (

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Berlin & Frank Techel & Beat Kaspar Moor & Marcel Zwahlen & Rebecca Maria Hasler & for the Swiss National Cohort study group, 2019. "Snow avalanche deaths in Switzerland from 1995 to 2014—Results of a nation-wide linkage study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(12), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0225735
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225735
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Harpa Grímsdóttir & David Mcclung, 2006. "Avalanche Risk During Backcountry Skiing – An Analysis of Risk Factors," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 39(1), pages 127-153, September.
    2. Adrian Spoerri & Marcel Zwahlen & Matthias Egger & Matthias Bopp, 2010. "The Swiss National Cohort: a unique database for national and international researchers," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 55(4), pages 239-242, August.
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