Objectives: Gun-related injury is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Evidence is emerging that non-powder guns (NPGs) are a significant source of injury morbidity among young people. National estimates show that 14% of NPG injuries are violence related. Little is known about similarities and differences in characteristics of persons injured by firearms compared to those injured by NPGs. This study will address this issue as well as analyze how persons intentionally injured by NPGs compare with those intentionally injured by firearms.
Method: Analyses are based on 1994-1997 statewide emergency department data from the Massachusetts Weapon-Related Injury Surveillance System (WRISS). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression are used to compare patient characteristics across gun types and across intent.
Results: Of the 1,726 gun injuries analyzed, approximately 22% were NPG injuries. Twenty five percent of these NPG injuries were intentional. For both NPG and firearm injuries, we found similarities in the association with intent and race/ethnicity (black and Hispanic), age (older- 30 years and over), wound location of injury (multiple locations), and place of injury (street).
Conclusion: NPG injuries are a significant source of injury morbidity in Massachusetts and one-fourth of NPG injuries in this state are intentionally inflicted. Findings suggest that firearms and NPGs are frequently being used in similar ways. From a public health perspective, NPGs need to be considered as weapons.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
Keywords: Injury, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.