The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63171

Douglas J. Wiebe, PhD¹, M. Patricia West, MSSW², Rose A. Cheney, PhD³, Maura Dunfey³, Michael L. Nance, MD⁴, Charles C. Branas, PhD¹, and C. William Schwab, MD³. (1) Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Room 807 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, (215) 746-0149, dwiebe@cceb.med.upenn.edu, (2) Public Health Consultant, 2134 Spring St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, (3) Firearm Injury Center at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, 3440 Market Street, First Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335, (4) Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Among the 10 leading causes of child (1 - 19 years) death in the U.S., firearms account for one in every six deaths. Child Death Review Teams (CDFT), which operate in all states and the District of Columbia, collect extensive information on circumstances of death. CDRTs represent an important resource for guiding data-driven strategies to prevent firearm injury and death.

We surveyed directors of each state CDRT to ascertain (1) the number of children who died there in 2000 (by injury type) and (2) how many of those died from a gunshot injury. Directors of the CDRT in each Pennsylvania county received the same survey. In addition, all directors were asked if, based on their review of accrued case data, state or local CDRTs had initiated strategies to prevent firearm-related deaths, and if other agencies - such as criminal justice - initiated changes in their approach to preventing firearm related events.

To assess CDRTs as a prevention resource, we tested for an association between the proportion of firearm-related deaths in a state or county and a history of recently initiating prevention strategies in that area. We also compared CDRT data with vital statistics mortality data to explore the correspondence of coverage and completeness between these two sources. Based on our analysis, we discuss how CDRTs can complement other data tools, such as the National Violent Death Reporting System, and we explore how these teams fit within local, state and national strategies to reduce child firearm-related deaths.

Learning Objectives:

This research will provide participants:
• An understanding of what Child Death Review Teams (CDRT) are, their purpose, how they operate, and the geographic areas in which they operate.
• An explanation for why CDRT data may indicate that a certain number of children died in a geographic area, yet vital statistics mortality data for that area indicate a different number of deaths.
• Ideas for how CDRT data can complement other data tools, and how CDRTs can fit within local, state and national strategies to reduce child firearm-related deaths.

Keywords: Homicide, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.