The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72026

Heba A Ali, BS¹, Thomas J. Songer, PhD, MPH¹, and Karen Zuri, BASW². (1) Center for Injury Research and Control, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Presbyterian, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite B-400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, (2) Center for Injury Research and Control, UPMC Presbyterian, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite B-400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Purpose—To identify distinguishing characteristics of abuse related injuries requiring medical treatment short of hospitalization compared to abused children requiring hospitalization for serious injuries.

Method—Medical and billing records for all medically treated injuries due to child maltreatment events seen through the emergency department (ED) and or admitted overnight to a large pediatric hospital from 1995-99 were reviewed. These records were identified through a filed suspected child abuse report and also several codes (995.5, E904, E968.4, and V61.21). The records were reviewed to note case history, demographics, type of maltreatment, injuries and payment source.

Results—Overall, 866 cases for abuse were identified (63.6% physical; 11.5% neglect; 13.4% sexual) 11.4% were attributed to multiple types of abuse. Approximately 520 cases (60%) were identified for ED treatment exclusively while 346 cases (40%) involved a hospitalization with or without an ED visit. Over half of the children admitted to the hospital (80.6%) were children (<4 yr) compared to (28.5%) in the same age group treated through the ED only. The payment source differed for those treated only in the ED (52.9% Medicaid) verses those admitted (80.6% Medicaid). Race was also a distinguishing characteristic (ED: 35% white; 61.5% black; inpatient: 58.7% white; 35.8% black). There were no differences observed by gender or the presence of other children in the same household.

Conclusions—Medically treated injuries due to abuse differed by age group (<4 yr), race and payment source.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the characteristics of medically treated injury cases due to child maltreatment seen in the emergency department and hospital admission at an urban pediatric hospital.

Keywords: Injuries, Children

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.