Epidemiology of firearm mortality and injury estimates: state of Connecticut, 1988-1993

To retrospectively determine the 6-year cumulative incidence rate of firearm mortality and estimate nonfatal firearm injuries in Connecticut.

Retrospective analysis of data originating from the Connecticut State Medical Examiner's Office and records from the Trauma Registry of one urban hospital.

From January 1988 through December 1993, 1,625 Connecticut residents died from firearm-related injuries. The cumulative incidence rate was 49.4 deaths per 100,000 population during the 6-year study period. Rates peaked among 20- to 24-year-olds at 18.1 deaths per 100,000. Males outnumbered females more than eightfold. The ratio of nonfatal firearm injuries to firearm deaths was 7:1 for those shot by another, self-inflicted injuries were fatal in half of all cases.

Analysis of firearm mortality data indicated that males in younger age categories were disproportionately affected. These rates combined with nonfatal injury projections demonstrate that firearms represent a significant public health threat to the population of Connecticut, reaching epidemic proportions among specific subpopulations. These results are consistent with those obtained from national studies.