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Human and economic costs of pediatric firearm injury

Hallie J Quiroz1, Liann C Casey1, Joshua P Parreco2

  • 1Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric firearm injuries result in significant costs and readmissions. This study quantifies the economic impact of child firearm injuries, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce readmission rates and associated healthcare expenses.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatric Trauma
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Pediatric firearm injury represents a critical public health issue with severe consequences.
  • Existing research lacks comprehensive data on risk factors and economic burdens associated with readmissions following pediatric firearm injuries.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and healthcare policies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with hospital readmissions in pediatric patients after acute firearm injury.
  • To analyze the associated hospital costs, including those related to readmissions.
  • To quantify the national burden of readmission costs and discontinuity of care for pediatric firearm injuries.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective comparative study utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010-2014).
  • Inclusion criteria: Patients under 18 years admitted for acute firearm injury.
  • Outcomes analyzed: mortality, length of stay, hospital costs, 30-day and 1-year readmission rates. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

  • A total of 13,596 pediatric firearm injury admissions were analyzed, with a 6% mortality rate.
  • Readmission rates were 6% at 30 days and 12% at 1 year. Self-inflicted injuries showed the highest mortality.
  • Total hospitalization costs exceeded $382 million, with $5.4 million attributed to readmissions to different hospitals. Medicaid patients had higher index hospital readmissions, while self-pay/high-income patients were readmitted elsewhere.

Conclusions:

  • Firearm injuries impose substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic costs on children.
  • This study quantifies the previously undocumented national burden of readmission costs and care discontinuity.
  • Addressing pediatric firearm injury is essential to mitigate its preventable public health and economic impact.
Abstract

Keywords:
CostFirearm injuryGunsPediatricReadmission

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