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Gunshot wound injuries increasing among children

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gunshot wound-related hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths are increasing among children, according to recent study findings presented here.

“Handguns account for the majority of childhood gunshot wounds and this number appears to be increasing over the last decade,” Arin L. Madenci, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan Medical School, said in a press release. “Furthermore, states with higher percentages of household firearm ownership also tended to have higher proportions of childhood gunshot wounds, especially those occurring in the home.”

The study included 36 million pediatric hospital admissions from the Kids’ Inpatient Database from 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009 and estimated state household gun ownership using the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.

Researchers found that approximately 7,500 children are admitted to the hospital for gunshot wound treatment each year. More than 500 children die during admission from the injuries. Gunshot wound hospitalization increased from 4,270 in 1997 to 7,730 in 2009, in-hospital deaths also increased from 317 in 1997 to 503 in 2009.

They also found a strong correlation between the percentage of gunshot wounds and the percentage of households containing any firearms, loaded firearms and unlocked firearms.

“Policies designed to reduce the number of household firearms, especially handguns, may more effectively reduce the number of gunshot injuries in children,” Madenci said.

For more information:

Madenci AL. Abstract #22761. Presented at: AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 26-29, 2013; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.