A. B. Padiadpu1, S. A. Eidelson1, J. Stoler2, M. B. Mulder1, R. Rattan1, T. L. Zakrison1 1University Of Miami,Ryder Trauma Center, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department Of Surgery, Miller School Of Medicine,Miami, FL, USA 2University Of Miami,Department Of Geography And Regional Studies, Department Of Public Health Sciences,Miami, FL, USA
Introduction: Firearm related injuries are a significant public health problem in Florida and a growing cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. However, the associated sociodemographic factors remain poorly examined. This study addressed this gap by assessing the racial, ethnic, gender and age demographics of firearm related injuries in the region of Miami-Dade County over a 20-year period.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients involved in firearm incidents who were treated at the only American College of Surgeons verified Level 1 trauma center in Miami-Dade County during the study period. We analyzed the demographic trends and tested for significance (p<0.05) using chi-square test and ANOVA test. Parametric data was expressed as mean ± SD and nonparametric data as median (interquartile range).
Results: During 1992-2012, 11839 patients were transported to our trauma center after a firearm-related injury. The population was 30±13 years, 90% male, 66% Black and 34% White. 19% of the population was Hispanic (91% White). 97% of the incidents were intentional. Patients had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14±15 with hospital length of stay (LOS) 2(0-8) days and 13% mortality. The injury and mortality rates trended downward until 2000 and then upward through 2012, more so among blacks (p≤0.001). Black males comprised 60% of the population with mean age of 28±11yrs, ISS of 14±15, LOS 3(0-8) days and 12% mortality. Among these patients, mortality has trended upwards since 2000 (p≤0.001). For patients ≤18 years of age (14% of the population), the median age was 17(16-18) years, ISS 13±15, LOS 2(0-7) days and 10% mortality rate. In this category, mortality has been on the rise over the last 12 years of the study period (p=0.09), significantly so for black pediatric population (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: This analysis reveals a recent and sustained increase in firearm related injuries and associated mortality since 2000, an alarming trend that has been driven mainly by the rise in injuries inflicted on younger Black males. These results beckon a focused evaluation and public health intervention to prevent firearm related violence in this highly vulnerable population.
