JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
-
Mortality figures in the United States are believed to underestimate the incidence of fatal child abuse. ⋯ Using medical examiner data, we found that significant underascertainment of child abuse homicides in vital records systems persists despite greater societal attention to abuse fatalities. Improved recording of such incidences should be a priority so that prevention strategies can be appropriately targeted and outcomes monitored, especially in light of the increasing rates.
-
The relationship between psychiatric symptoms and disability in refugee survivors of mass violence is not known. ⋯ In a population of Bosnian refugees who had recently fled from the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, psychiatric comorbidity was associated with disability independent of the effects of age, trauma, and health status.
-
The cost of treating gunshot injuries imposes a financial burden on society. Estimates of such costs are relevant to evaluation of gun violence reduction programs and may help guide reimbursement policies. ⋯ Gunshot injury costs represent a substantial burden to the medical care system. Nearly half this cost is borne by US taxpayers.