Minority status and the risk of serious childhood injury and death
Hayes, J.R.; Groner, J.I.
Journal of the National Medical Association 97(3): 362-369
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 15779500 Document Number: 594471
Objective: To compare the causes, rates and outcomes of traumatic injuries between minority and white children in a statewide population sample. Methods: 5973 children (aged <16 years) receiving inpatient care for treatment of acute injuries at the paediatric trauma centres in Ohio, USA, during 1999-2001, were studied. Case records were analysed for race, injury type, injury severity, length of stay and demographic information. Supplemental data sources included the 2000 U.S. census and Ohio Vital Statistics death certificates for 1996-2001. Main Outcome Measures: Hospital admission rate, mortality rate, length of stay, rate of admission to rehabilitation service. Results: African-American children, who composed the vast majority of the minority population sample, were 7.7 times more likely to sustain a burn or gunshot wound, 7 times more likely to be struck by a car, 6 times more likely to be intentionally injured and over twice as likely to die due to injury than white children. However, after adjusting for injury severity, they had the same mortality, hospital length of stay, and referral rate to rehabilitation as white children. Conclusion: Trauma has a far greater impact on minority children than on white children. Research and development on injury prevention initiatives that specifically target minority children are urgently needed.