Longitudinal trends in firearm related hospitalizations in the United States: Profile and outcomes during the years 2000 to 2008

Objective: The objective of the current study is to provide nationally representative longitudinal estimates of outcomes associated with hospitalizations attributed to firearm injuries in the United States during the years 2000 to 2008.

Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for the years 2000 to 2008 was used. All hospitalizations with firearm related injuries were selected for analysis. Demographic characteristics were examined. Outcomes including hospitalization charges and length of stay were examined.

Results: During the study period, a total of 275,939 hospitalizations (ranging from 24,714 in year 2001 to 33,982 in year 2004) were attributed to firearm injuries. Close to 39% of all hospitalizations occurred among those aged 20 to 30 years. Males accounted for 89% of all hospitalizations. About 33% of all hospitalizations occurred among the uninsured. The total hospitalization charges across the entire United States during the study period was about $ 16.16 billion. The mean charge per hospitalization was $59,620. The mean length of stay in hospital was 6.7 days. The total hospitalization days across the entire United States during the study period was 1,851,125 days.

Conclusions: The current study provides estimates of high risk individuals who are likely to be hospitalized with firearm injuries and hospitalization outcomes associated with such injuries. Firearm related injuries are associated with utilization of considerable amount of hospital resources and present a significant public health issue in the United States.