Oklahoma Firearm-Related Injury Surveillance.
BACKGROUND
The magnitude of firearm-related deaths is known, but few studies have evaluated the magnitude and epidemiology of nonfatal firearm-related injuries. The circumstances resulting in fatal versus nonfatal injury are likely very different. No single data source provides complete details on nonfatal shootings.


OBJECTIVE
To establish a surveillance system to define the epidemiology of fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries.


METHODS
Data were collected on fatal and nonfatal firearm-related injuries that occurred in 1995.


METHODS
State of Oklahoma.


METHODS
Medical Examiner, Vital Statistics, hospital emergency and medical records departments, police departments, newspaper clipping service.


METHODS
Incidence rate of firearm-related injuries; case-fatality rate; demographic, medical, and epidemiologic data; sensitivity of each reporting source; completeness of reporting.


RESULTS
The incidence rate of firearm-related injuries was 45.5 per 100,000 population. The case fatality rate was 35%. Injury rates were highest among adolescents, young adults, males, and African Americans. The Medical Examiner and Vital Statistics reported 87% and 98% of fatal cases, respectively. Passive surveillance of hospital emergency departments identified 72% of patients seeking hospital treatment. Among inpatients, 81% were identified by medical records departments. Newspaper clippings were obtained for 31% of cases. Information on the victim-perpetrator relationship and the type of firearm was available for 79% and 80% of cases, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Statewide surveillance of firearm-related injuries using multiple data sources is possible and provides a picture of the overall firearm-related injury problem. Strategies to enhance computer linkages of medical and police data should be pursued to maximize the sensitivity of reporting and minimize the costs of surveillance.
Archer
P J
PJ
Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City 73117-1299, USA.
Mallonee
S
S
Schmidt
A C
AC
Ikeda
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009825:Oklahoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology