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Published on: January 20, 2023
Childhood injury in Connecticut
G Lapidus1, T Lerer, R Zavoski
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA.
Insights
Childhood injuries cause significant mortality and morbidity in youth, with the highest rates among males aged 15-19. Injury prevention programs are crucial for reducing these preventable deaths and hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Childhood injuries represent a significant public health concern, leading to substantial mortality and morbidity.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is essential for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of childhood injuries in Connecticut using vital statistics and hospital discharge data.
- To identify high-risk populations and geographic areas for childhood injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of vital statistics (1988-1995) and hospital discharge data (1990-1994) for Connecticut children and youth.
- Analysis of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations, including rates, costs, and demographic/geographic factors.
Main Results:
- Approximately 175 deaths and 4,230 hospitalizations annually due to injury in children and youth.
- Highest injury death and hospitalization rates observed in males aged 15-19 and in large urban areas (>100,000 population).
- Homicides concentrated in urban areas; motor vehicle occupant deaths and suicides more prevalent in suburban/rural areas.
Conclusions:
- Injury is a major, preventable cause of mortality and morbidity among youth.
- Data supports the development and evaluation of targeted, community-based injury prevention programs.
- Geographic and demographic disparities highlight the need for tailored interventions.
Abstract:
We reviewed vital statistics (1988-95) and hospital discharge data (1990-94) for Connecticut children and youth to describe the epidemiology of childhood injuries. There are approximately 175 deaths (rate = 21/100,000) and 4,230 hospitalizations (rate = 468/100,000) annually due to injury. Nonfatal injuries resulted in over 94,000 hospital days at a cost of nearly $155 million dollars. Death and hospitalization rates are highest among male children and adolescents 15 to 19 years of age. Geographic analysis of injury revealed significantly higher injury death and hospitalization rates in towns greater than 100,000 population. In addition, a majority of the homicides occurred in large urban areas, and most of the motor vehicle occupant deaths and suicides occurred in suburban and rural areas. Injury is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in youth and is largely preventable. The data presented here allow for the development, implementation, and evaluation of community based injury prevention programs.
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