• Haddon matrix

Editor,—The methodologic article by Runyan, adding a third element to the Haddon matrix, which was published recently, deserves some comments.¹ This article, in essence, adds practicality to what most beginners of injury control consider the theory behind injury intervention. More of such practical applications of established concepts and theories about injury intervention are needed to guide young researchers in injury control. Applying the third dimension elicited by Runyan means, for example, that in an injury control class exercise on the application of the Haddon matrix, emphasis should be placed on interventions that are known to be effective, affordable (less costly), and feasible for a particular injury problem. Likewise, adaptation of an injury intervention in a setting other than that for which the intervention was largely developed need not be based solely on the Haddon matrix, but has to take cognizance of the cultural sensitivities of the particular intervention in the new setting, along with its relative rating or importance in terms of efficacy, affordability, feasibility, and sustainability²—all elements of this third dimension.

Runyan deserves to be congratulated for her deep thoughts on hands-on practical issues for injury control.