NCJ Number
157499
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined indicators for injury-related death and hospitalizations in Hawaii for 1989-90 that involved child victims from infancy through 18 years old.
Abstract
The study used death certificates and medical records as the primary data sources. Medical-record review was conducted for all patients admitted to any of the State's acute-care hospital in 1989 and 1990 for diagnoses related to injury. The study focused on injuries that resulted from motor vehicle crashes, falls, submersions, burns, and other unintentional injuries. It also examined intentional injuries, including suicides and suicide attempts, homicides, domestic abuse, and assaults. The study found that nearly 20 percent of all injury-related hospitalizations of children resulted from intentional causes. Nearly every day one child is hospitalized in Hawaii due violence. Each month, at least three children are hospitalized for injuries caused by abuse, and another seven are hospitalized for injuries sustained during altercations. Each week, approximately three youths are hospitalized for suicide attempts. Boys are 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for assaultive injuries, and girls are four times more likely to be hospitalized for suicide attempts. Prevention strategies are suggested for each type of injury.