Epidemiology of violent deaths in children and adolescents in the United States

Abstract

Injuries are the largest cause of death in children and adolescents after the first year of life. Injuries more than any other disease result in 3.5 million years of potential life lost. Poor children are particularly at risk of dying from trauma, particularly fires and drownings. The patterns of different types of childhood injuries are discussed, including motor vehicle occupants, pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle injuries, fire and flame injuries, drownings and firearm deaths. For each of these, possible preventive strategies suggested by injury epidemiology are given. Intentional injuries from suicide and homicide are included because of similarities in epidemiology and prevention. The article also outlines areas where few effective strategies are available and where further research should be concentrated.