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Citation
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Nagengast AK, Benns MV, Bozeman MC, Nash NA, Smith JW, Harbrecht BG, Franklin GA, Miller KR. J. Am. Coll. Surg. 2017; 225(4): e178. |
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Abstract
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Introduction
Firearm injuries are a significant public health problem in the United States. Women represent a smaller proportion of overall firearm injuries and data regarding these injuries is limited. This study compares firearm injuries between men and women.
Methods
We evaluated firearm injuries at our urban Level I trauma center from January 2012 through June 2016. Data was abstracted from the trauma registry and charts. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square and ANOVA.
Results
There were no differences between men and women regarding age, injury severity score, hospital length of stay, weaponry type, or mortality. Men had significantly longer ICU stays (2.4 vs 1.5 days, p=0.04). Injury locations were similar, with the exception that women were more frequently shot in the extremities (p=0.05). Intentional assault injury comprised the majority of both groups (66.9% for men, 61.6% for women, NS). Intentional self-inflicted injuries were greater in women (23.8 vs 15.2, p<0.004). A significant difference was observed regarding the assailant in assault type injuries: women were more frequently assaulted by intimate partners (12 vs 1, p<0.0001). Women had increased incidence of pre-existing mental illness compared to men (21.3 vs 11.3, p<0.0003).
Conclusions
Although there are perceived differences related to firearm injury in men and women, this has not been well demonstrated. While the groups are similar overall, women have a higher rate of assault by intimate partners, shorter ICU stays, increased extremity injuries, increased incidence of pre-existing mental illness, and a higher proportion of intentional self-inflicted injuries when compared to firearm injuries in men.
Language: en |