Childhood injuries in the United States: morbidity, mortality and cost

Article Abstract:

Childhood injuries are the leading cause of death in children in the United States, accounting for 30 percent of all deaths. Since there is no single national source of morbidity information, a large portion of the data is derived from incidence records of the Massachusetts Statewide Childhood Injury Prevention Program (MSCIPP) and statistics are extrapolated for the remainder of the US. Mortality data of children aged 0 to 19 years were analyzed and reported as years of potential life lost (YPLLs), using the conventional life expectancy of 65 years. YPPLs are measures of total years of life expected had these children not died. Motor vehicle injuries, homicides and suicides are the leading causes of injury-related death. Intentional injuries account for approximately 1.2 million YPLLs. Direct costs associated with injuries include expenditures for health services, treatments, medicines, medical equipment and appliances, personal assistance and the associated administrative services. Indirect costs include estimates of potential earnings lost, value of products not produced, and losses of family earnings attendant on caring for an injured child. In 1986, the cost for all childhood injuries was estimated by the National Safety Council at $118 billion. Most injuries are due to falls, sports-related accidents, and occur when riding (as a passenger) in a car involved in a motor vehicle accident. However, the data derived from the MSCIPP may not be generalizable to the US population at large. Demographic variables, including socioeconomic status, place of residence, and area of the country in which people live will significantly impact these mortality, morbidity and cost estimates. The Surgeon General and the federal government have recognized the urgency of reducing childhood injuries and mortality and have begun to implement national intervention strategies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Economic aspects, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Demographic aspects

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Childhood injuries in the United States: a priority issue

Article Abstract:

Injuries to children are a particularly significant part of the health statistics of the United States. In 1986, more than 22,000 children under 19 years of age died as a result of injuries. The number of deaths from injuries, for the age group between 1 and 19, exceeded the cumulative number of deaths from all other causes. The roster of children's injuries, emergency room visits and permanent disabilities are estimated to cost more than $7.5 billion annually. Injury control and prevention have only recently become a major concern in this country, achieving the priority of action urgently required. The June l990 issue of the American Journal of Diseases of Children deals with this subject in detail. A report prepared by the Centers for Disease Control for delivery to Congress provides a summary of the problems related to childhood injuries. Background articles on specific injuries and other related issues are also discussed. The full scope of childhood injuries from a national point of view must be ascertained before appropriate national priorities can be set. No singular set of intervention guidelines will be universally applicable. Existing regulations for child safety should be uniformly applied. Passenger safety regulations, self-latching gates around swimming facilities, smoke detectors in homes and public buildings are but a few existing programs with disparate enforcement policies. The CDC study emphasizes the problems involved, suggests potential remedies and provides other useful information for those working in this area. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, editorial

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Childhood injuries in the United States

Article Abstract:

Childhood mortality is higher in the United States than in any other industrialized country. Excess mortality in children is principally due to unintentional injuries and violent acts. In 1986, the following statistics were reported: (1) 22,000 children, ages 0 to 19, died from injuries resulting from accidents and violence, including vehicular accidents, drownings, fires, burns, homicides and suicides; (2) more than 30,000 children suffered permanent disabilities; (3) the cost of injuries was estimated to be a minimum of $7.5 billion annually. Injury prevention, reduction and control are beginning to receive the high priority warranted by these issues. This article is taken from an original report presented to Congress by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Environmental Health and Injury Control. Extensive statistics and graphics describe many aspects of childhood injuries. From 1968 to l986, US childhood mortality due to disease decreased, while injury-related mortality remained at the same level. Comparative data from seven major industrial countries are presented for death rates from all causes, including injuries and violence, and suicides and homicides. Summary tables present annual mortality by sex, race, age and types of injuries. Intervention strategies and the manner in which they may be achieved are suggested. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Reports, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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