Solving a linear model of nonfatal risk behavior and injuries in school children

A calculating method and computer program have been developed for solving an overdetermined system of linear equations. It was applied for calculation of group risk exposure of school children (10-15 years) to nonfatal injuries in sport recreation and playing (SRP). Interviewed non-injured school children were separated into non-overlapping groups of risky behavior. Data on interviewed non-injured and non-interviewed injured children were put into a linear system of equations consisting of a 4 x 3 matrix scheme. Each equation represents children of the same age and sex and consists of the percentage of interviewed children grouped into high medium or low risk behavior and of the percentage of injured children. Four methods of calculating the matrix system were evaluated and the best implemented as a new developed computer program. The resulting linear group risk factors enable the prediction of behavior outcome. Data on interviewed injured children were compared with the results obtained. The validation procedure is proposed by testing the sensitivity and robustness of the method.