Citation

Mujkić A, Peek-Asa CL, Young T, Rodin U. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 2008; 162(2): 140-144.

Affiliation

School of Medicine, Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/archpediatrics.2007.31

PMID

18250238

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify trends in weapon-related deaths associated with the Homeland War (1991-1995) among children in Croatia. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS: Croatian children aged from birth through 19 years who died as the result of a weapon-related injury from 1986 through 2005. Main Exposure Injury deaths of children by intent (homicide, suicide, operations of war, and unintentional), cause, and age. OUTCOME MEASURES: Number and rate of injury deaths among Croatian children before, during, and after the war. RESULTS: Compared with the period before the war, weapon-related homicide and suicide rates increased by more than 3-fold, and unintentional weapon-related deaths increased by more than 6-fold during the war. These increases persisted for 5 years following the end of the war and decreased more than 5 years after the war. Death rates from non-weapon causes did not increase during this period. Overall, 81.9% of the weapon-related deaths were caused by firearms and 18.1% were caused by explosive devices. CONCLUSIONS: The Homeland War led to an increase in weapon-related deaths of all intents. Programs that focus on the prevention of weapon-related injuries should be integrated into programs that assist countries in rebuilding after political unrest.

Language: en