Prevention of youth injuries

There are four categories of causes responsible for the majority of injurie s in youth 10-19 years of age: 1) motor vehicle traffic; 2) violence (intra -Familial, extra-familial, self, pregnancy-related); 3) recreational; and 4 ) occupational. This article presents data from the National Center for Hea lth Statistics mortality data and the National Pediatric Trauma Registry mo rbidity data. Nationwide, the pediatric injury death rate is highest among adolescents 15 -19 years of age. Motor vehicle-related deaths account for 41% and firearm- related deaths account for 36% of injury deaths in this age group. For yout hs aged 10-14 years, motor vehicle-related deaths account for 38% and; fire arm-related deaths account For 26% of injury deaths. For both age groups, o ccupant motor vehicle-related deaths account for the majority of deaths and underscore the need for seat belt use. Using theoretical principles based on the Haddon matrix and a knowledge of adolescent development proposed int erventions to decrease injuries and deaths related to motor vehicles and fi rearms include graduated licensing, occupant restraint, speed limits, confl ict resolution, and gun control. Occupational injuries, particularly injury associated with agricultural production, account for an estimated 100,000 injuries per year. Preventive strategies include OSHA regulations imposing standards for protective devices and Further study For guidelines for adole scent work in agriculture. Injuries related to recreation include drowning and sports injuries. Preventive strategies may include proper supervision a nd risk reduction with respect to use of alcohol/drugs. The data presented support the use of primary prevention to achieve the most effective, safe c ommunity interventions targeting adolescents.