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Abstract
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VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this article by Smith and Lancashire was to describe the firearm death rate among teenagers, to discuss the progress toward national goals for health promotion and disease prevention that were set by the Public Health Service, and to describe the patterns and trends of hospital and physician care utilization.
METHODOLOGY:
A descriptive analysis using National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) was conducted.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
According to NCHS statistics, firearm-related deaths reached a record high. The highest rate of deaths resulting from firearms among those 15-19 years of age in the United States occurred in 1990. Guns were involved in one in four deaths among those 15-24 years of age. The rates for homicide and suicide by firearms were 5 to 10 times higher for men than for women.
Firearm-related deaths have increased. From 1985 to 1990 the rate of deaths resulting from firearms among those 15-19 years of age increased 77 percent. For black teenage men the firearm homicide rate almost tripled in the same period. Although the rates are highest and still rising among blacks, the increase in firearm homicide rats in 1988-1990 has been greatest among white teenage males. The average annual increase for white teenage males was 24 percent in 1988-1990, compared to a 4 percent per year increase from 1985 to 1988.
Firearm related deaths were the second leading cause of death for those 10-24 years of age in 1990. Motor vehicle injuries were the leading cause of death. Among black males, ages 10-34, it was the leading cause of death. For ages 15-19, firearm death was the second leading cause of death and for black males it was the leading cause of death. The rates of death by firearm were rising faster for this age group than for any other age group. Further, the rate of firearm homicide for black males for this age group was 11 times higher than the rate of whites. However, suicide firearm rates for this age group were 1.5 times greater for white males than for black males. For both age groups, 15-24 and 25-34, the rates of firearm deaths was highest for black males, followed by white males, then black females.
The Public Health Services made significant progress toward national goals for health promotion and disease prevention. There were positive changes in general health habits and preventive care from 1985 compared to 1990. First, there was an increase in the percent of women who had ever had a mammogram. Second, the percentage of smokers age 18 and older decreased. Third, there was a slight decrease in the percent of current drinkers who drove after having too much to drink. Fourth, the percentage of adults who wore a seat belt most of the time while riding in a car increased. Lastly, there was an increase in the percentage of people who were protected by at least one smoke detector in the home. There was also one negative change in health habits. The percentage of adults who exceeded their desirable weight increased slightly from 1985 to 1990.
The data also described differences in the use of hospital and physician care. There were declining rates of overall length of stay from 1980 to 1990. This decline was mostly found among the short-term hospitalization rather than long-term hospitalization. There was an increase in the frequency of hospitalization for septicemia, psychosis, and other surgical and medical care. The authors also reported that Medicare was the main source of payment in 1980 and 1990. Finally, there was also a decrease in the average annual visit to general surgeons; this rate has been decreasing since 1975.
In conclusion, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the rates of death for teenagers from firearms was historically high in 1990, progress has been made toward national goals for health promotion and disease prevention, and there have been a few changes in the utilization of health services.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
1980s
1990s
Health Promotion
Disease Prevention
Firearms Death
Firearms Homicide
Firearms Suicide
Firearms Violence
Juvenile Violence
Juvenile Victim
Juvenile Suicide
Juvenile Offender
Juvenile Firearms Use
Juvenile Male
Juvenile Female
Adult Male
Adult Female
Adult Offender
Adult Firearms Use
Adult Violence
Adult Victim
Adult Suicide
Age Differences
Gender Differences
Racial Differences
Suicide Incidence and Prevalence
Suicide Rates
Homicide Incidence and Prevalence
Homicide Rates
Homicide Victim
Victimization Rates
African American Adult
African American Female
African American Juvenile
African American Male
African American Offender
African American Victim
African American Violence
African American Suicide
Caucasian Adult
Caucasian Homicide
Caucasian Juvenile
Caucasian Male
Caucasian Offender
Caucasian Suicide
Caucasian Victim
Caucasian Violence
Black-White Comparison
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