Epidemiology of firearm mortality and injury estimates: state of Connecticut, 1988-1993.

Study Objectives: To retrospectively determine the 6-year cumulative incidence rate of firearm mortality and estimate nonfatal firearm injuries in Connecticut.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of data originating from the Connecticut State Medical Examiner's Office and records from the Trauma Registry of one urban hospital.

Results: From January 1988 through December 1993, 1,625 Connecticut residents died from firearm-related injuries. The cumulative incidence rate was 49.4 deaths per 100,000 population during the 6-year study period. Rates peaked among 20- to 24-year-olds at 18.1 deaths per 100,000. Males outnumbered females more than eightfold. The ratio of nonfatal firearm injuries to firearm deaths was 7:1 for those shot by another, self-inflicted injuries were fatal in half of all cases.

Conclusion: Analysis of firearm mortality data indicated that males in younger age categories were disproportionately affected. These rates combined with nonfatal injury projections demonstrate that firearms represent a significant public health threat to the population of Connecticut, reaching epidemic proportions among specific subpopulations. These results are consistent with those obtained from national studies.