Citation

Mercy JA. Am. J. Prev. Med. 1993; 9(3 Suppl): 8-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s0749-3797(18)30671-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The public health impact of firearm-related deaths and injuries in the United States is enormous. During 1989, almost 35,000 people died from firearm-related injuries. Fifty-two percent of these deaths were due to suicide, 42% to homicide, and 4% to unintentional circumstances. Estimates indicate that for every firearm-related fatality more than seven nonfatal injuries occur. The lifetime cost of firearm-related injuries occurring in 1985 is estimated to be $14.4 billion. Demographic groups at greatest risk of a firearm-related death include males, adolescents, young adults, and blacks. The number and rate of firearm-related deaths in the United States has remained fairly steady through the 1980s. However, firearm-related death rates for females, male teenagers, and young adults are higher now than at any time previously. Action to lessen the impact of this public health problem is urgently needed, but this action must be guided by science.

Language: en

Keywords

United States; human; homicide; suicide; public health; firearm; review; gunshot injury; high risk population; health care cost