The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48147

Nelson Adekoya, DrPH and L. J. David Wallace, MSEH. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-F41, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-4642, nba7@cdc.gov

Background: Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/ANs), injuries are the second leading cause of death. However, little is known about non-fatal injuries in this population, especially for specific types of injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Objective: To describe the incidence of hospitalized TBI among AI/ANs. Methods: Indian Health Service (IHS) hospital discharge data were analyzed from 1992 through 1996. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical case definitions were used to ascertain TBI cases. All TBI cases were E- coded for the external cause of injury. Results: There were 4491 hospitalized TBI cases which resulted in 21,107 hospital days during the reporting period. Males accounted for 71%. Two hundred and twenty-one (5%) cases were fatal. The annualized age-adjusted incidence rate of hospitalization was 81.7/100,000. Hospitalization rate was highest among youth 15-24 years (111.7/100,000). Motor vehicle crashes were the most frequent external cause of injury among those hospitalized (24%), followed by assaults (17%), and falls (16%). A non-specific E -code was used in 32% (N=1418) of hospitalized cases; 92% (N=1309) of which were from the contract health providers. Conclusions: Although motor vehicle-related injuries were involved in about one-fourth of TBI- related hospitalizations, assaults and falls represented about one-third of these injuries. Additional information about the circumstances and risk factors for falls and assaults can assist IHS and Tribes in developing prevention strategies. An improvement in coding practices of E-codes by the contract health service providers will enhance the development of targeted prevention efforts.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the incidence of hospitalized Traumatic Brain Injury among American Indians and Alaska Natives

Keywords: American Indians, Traumatic Brain Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.