TY - JOUR PY - 2006// TI - Child and adolescent violent deaths: an epidemiologic investigation JO - Journal of the National Medical Association A1 - McGowan, Angela Kay A1 - Crosby, Alexander E. A1 - La Hasbrouck, Mar A1 - Boulton, Matthew L. A1 - Kanluen, Sawait A1 - Maseru, Noble A. W. SP - 158 EP - 164 VL - 98 IS - 2 N2 - OBJECTIVES: An apparent increase in violent deaths among children and adolescents in Detroit, MI in 2002 prompted a coordinated epidemiologic investigation involving federal, state and local organizations. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of cases and violent deaths (homicide, suicide or firearm-related) among juveniles <17 years was conducted, along with a case-control study using records from the medical examiner, police, schools and social service agencies. RESULTS: Twenty-nine cases were identified. Median age was 10 years (range 1 day-16 years), and 15 (52%) were male. There were 25 homicides, two suicides and two unintentional firearm-related deaths. Nine (31%) homicides resulted from child abuse and neglect, and eight (28%) were among bystanders. The most common mechanism of fatal injury was firearm (63%). Victims' families were more likely to have a history of familial violence, prior contact with the state social services agency, > or = 2 adults and > or = 4 persons in the household (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 2002 deaths did not represent a statistically significant increase from previous years. Several findings were remarkable: the proportion of deaths among bystanders, females and children age <5.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1943-4693 UR - http://dx.doi.org/ ID - ref1 ER -