Pediatric Trauma Mortality in Jerusalem's Israeli Healthcare System: A Retrospective Analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Trauma Care
• Geopolitical Health Disparities

Background:

• Jerusalem's complex geopolitical and ethnic landscape may influence pediatric trauma outcomes.
• Healthcare systems in East and West Jerusalem are divided, potentially affecting mortality rates.
• Understanding pediatric trauma mortality is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pediatric trauma mortality rates within Jerusalem's Israeli healthcare system.
• To compare trauma mortality incidence between Jewish and East Jerusalem Arab children.
• To identify factors contributing to pediatric trauma deaths in Jerusalem.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of Jerusalem residents under 18 who died from trauma (Emergency Department/7-day).
• Data collected from January 2013 to December 2023.
• Population data sourced from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.

Main Results:

• 82 Jerusalem residents died from trauma; annual incidence was 2.1/100,000.
• East Jerusalem Arab children had a 3.6 times higher trauma mortality incidence rate ratio compared to Jewish children.
• Delayed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and non-EMS transport were more frequent in Arab children.

Conclusions:

• Jerusalem's overall pediatric trauma death rate is comparable to high-income European countries.
• Significant disparities exist, with East Jerusalem Arab children being more vulnerable to trauma-related mortality.
• Findings support the need for targeted trauma prevention strategies in Jerusalem.