SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND CRIMINALITY IN VICTIMS OF FIREARM INJURIES

This study is based on all victims of firearm injuries (n = 820) treat ed in public hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, between 1972 and 1992. Th e aim of the study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristi cs, criminality, and mortality in victims of firearm injuries. The dia gnosis was accident in 56.0%, suicide/attempted suicide in 11.7%, murd er/attempted murder in 20.6%, and undetermined in 11.7%. Information w as procured from the Swedish National Population Register, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's register on causes of death, a nd the Swedish National Police Board's register on sentences passed. T he average victim of a firearm injury was a young man, single, and oft en divorced. The proportion of immigrants was larger than expected, in volvement in criminality was massive, and the mortality rate was high. The risk of being killed by the gunshot if brought to the hospital al ive was relatively low, except in the cases of attempted suicide. The recurrent rate in violent trauma was high. It is suggested that second ary prevention could make an important contribution to the reduction o f firearm injuries and fatalities. If the necessary surgical care is s upplemented with a psychosocial intervention program to help the patie nt change his or her current situation, the number of ''chronic'' vict ims of violence could be reduced.