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Abstract
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Context: The magnitude of firearm-related deaths is known, but few studies have evaluated the magnitude and epidemiology of nonfatal firearm-related injuries. The circumstances resulting in fatal versus nonfatal injury are likely very different. No single data source provides complete details on nonfatal shootings.
OBJECTIVE: To establish a surveillance system to define the epidemiology of fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries.
Design: Data were collected on fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries that occurred in 1995.
Setting: State of Oklahoma.
Participants: Medical Examiner, Vital Statistics, hospital emergency and medical records departments, police departments, newspaper clipping service.
Main Outcome Measures: Incidence rate of firearm-related injuries; case-fatality rate; demographic, medical, and epidemiologic data; sensitivity of each reporting source; completeness of reporting.
RESULTS: The incidence rate of firearm-related injuries was 45.5 per 100,000 population. The case fatality rate was 35%. Injury rates were highest among adolescents, young adults, males, and African Americans. The Medical Examiner and Vital Statistics reported 87% and 98% of fatal cases, respectively. Passive surveillance of hospital emergency departments identified 72% of patients seeking hospital treatment. Among inpatients, 81% were identified by medical records departments. Newspaper clippings were obtained for 31% of cases. Information on the victim-perpetrator relationship and the type of firearm was available for 79% and 80% of cases, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Statewide surveillance of firearm-related injuries using multiple data sources is possible and provides a picture of the overall firearm-related injury problem. Strategies to enhance computer linkages of medical and police data should be pursued to maximize the sensitivity of reporting and minimize the costs of surveillance. (Abstract Adapted from Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1998. Copyright © 1998 by Elsevier Science)
Firearms Injury
Surveillance System
Data Collection
Statistical Data
Firearms Violence
Public Health Approach
Oklahoma
03-02 |