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American Journal of Public Health logoLink to American Journal of Public Health
. 2000 Nov;90(11):1782–1784. doi: 10.2105/ajph.90.11.1782

Trends in incidence of pediatric injury hospitalizations in Pennsylvania.

D R Durbin 1, D F Schwarz 1, A R Localio 1, E J MacKenzie 1
PMCID: PMC1446408  PMID: 11076251

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed short-term trends in pediatric injury hospitalizations. METHODS: We used a population-based retrospective cohort design to study all children 15 years or younger who were admitted to all acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania with traumatic injuries between 1991 and 1995. RESULTS: Injuries accounted for 9% of all acute hospitalizations for children. Between 1991 and 1995, admissions of children with minor injuries decreased by 29% (P < .001). However, admissions for children with moderate (P = .69) or serious (P = .41) injuries did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Significant declines in pediatric admissions for minor injuries were noted and may reflect both real reductions in injury incidence and changes in admission practices over the period of the study.

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Selected References

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