Significant correlation of trauma epidemiology with the economic conditions of a community.
OBJECTIVE
Depressed economic conditions are associated with increased trauma and violent crime.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data.


METHODS
Population and labor force data from 1992 to 2002 were obtained from the state Employment Development Department and the US Census Bureau. County data regarding the total number of trauma activations and mechanism of trauma were recorded. Crime statistics were obtained from the state Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Correlation statistics were performed. Health care coverage for victims of penetrating trauma was also analyzed.


METHODS
Correlation between unemployment rate, trauma epidemiology, and crime indexes.


RESULTS
The correlation between the percentage penetrating trauma and the unemployment rate was R = 0.92 (Orange County, California) and R = 0.95 (Los Angeles County, California) (P<.001). The unemployment rate was also tightly correlated with Federal Bureau of Investigation crime indexes in both counties and in the state (P<.001). The overall county population was positively correlated with the total number of trauma occurrences in both counties (P<.001) but was negatively correlated with the number of penetrating traumas and crime indexes (P<.001). Seventy-five percent of penetrating trauma victims had no health care coverage or had state or county aid only.


CONCLUSIONS
The proportion of violent crime in a community is closely associated with the unemployment rate of that community and will vary longitudinally over time. The overall county population is less important. These data may be used for public policy initiatives regarding resource allocation to trauma centers, law enforcement planning, and programs aimed at crime prevention.
Cinat
Marianne E
ME
Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA. mecinat@uci.edu
Wilson
Samuel E
SE
Lush
Stephanie
S
Atkins
Courtney
C
D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D014478:Unemployment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000453:epidemiology; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000453:epidemiology