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. 2001 Dec;7(4):312–315. doi: 10.1136/ip.7.4.312

Predictors of injury from fighting among adolescent males

B Hammig 1, L Dahlberg 1, M Swahn 1
PMCID: PMC1730785  PMID: 11770658

Abstract

Objectives—To identify violence related behaviors associated with injuries among adolescent males involved in fights.

Methods—Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to develop weighted estimates of injury prevalence and associations between injury and violence related behaviors.

Results—Forty seven per cent injured others and 18% were themselves injured in a fight among adolescent males in the preceding 12 months. Group fighting, fighting with strangers, and weapon use were predictive of injury in this sample.

Conclusions—These findings suggest that injuries associated with fighting are a health risk among adolescent males. Certain behaviors, such as fighting in groups and fighting with strangers, increase the likelihood of injuries requiring medical attention.

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Selected References

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