Citation

Litacker D. Am. J. Public Health 1996; 86(11): 1633-1636.

Affiliation

Center for Adolescent Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8916535

PMCID

PMC1380704

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Although interpersonal violence has increased among urban youth, its epidemiology remains unclear. To prevent such violence, identifying the susceptible population is important. METHODS: Medical records for 998 patients aged 5 to 25 years at an urban hospital were reviewed to compare data for patients admitted for assault-related injuries, those admitted for unintentional injuries, and those for problems other than injuries. RESULTS: Those initially admitted for treatment of assault were found to be at greater risk of subsequent treatment for assault than those admitted for noninjuries. CONCLUSIONS: Admission for injuries caused by violence may increase risk for future assaults; hospitalization may offer an opportunity to interrupt these patterns.