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The Economic Costs of Injuries Among Adults
Injury and violence are a serious threat to the health and well-being of all Americans. Injuries are the leading killer of adults age 25-44 (WISQARS 2006). In addition to the human suffering caused by injuries among adults, economic consequences also occur. In 2000, the injuries incurred by adults in that age group will have lasting consequences including total lifetime economic costs of more than $244 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity (Finkelstein 2006).
The Problem
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Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 25-44, and the leading cause of injury deaths for those ages 45-64. Annually, more than 20,000 adults ages 25-64 die in motor vehicle crashes (WISQARS 2006).
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Suicide and homicide are the second and third leading causes of death, respectively, of persons ages 25-34 (WISQARS 2006).
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Suicides kill about 20,000 adults ages 25-64 each year. Homicides kill about 10,000 each year in the same age group (WISQARS 2006).
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Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury-related emergency department visits by adults ages 25-64 (WISQARS 2006).
The Cost
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Persons aged 25 to 44 years represented 30% of the U.S. population and 40% ($164 billion) of the total lifetime costs of injuries that occurred in 2000 (Finkelstein 2006).
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Lost productivity accounts for the highest percentage of total costs among the working age population. 86% of the total lifetime costs of injuries in 2000 for persons ages 25 to 44 are due to lost productivity (Finkelstein 2006).
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In 2000, motor vehicle crashes resulted in the greatest total lifetime costs among adults ages 25-44, nearly $38 billion (Finkelstein 2006).
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In 2000, falls resulted in the greatest total lifetime costs among adults ages 45-64, nearly $18.5 billion (Finkelstein 2006).
Preventing Injuries among Adults
CDC is conducting research and programs to identify effective prevention strategies for reducing the burden of unintentional and violent injuries among adults. Information about CDC efforts to prevent injuries and violence can be found at www.cdc.gov/injury; a few of these interventions are highlighted here:
Heads Up: Brain Injury in Your Practice Tool Kit
At least 1.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries in this country every year. Of those, approximately 1.1 million, or 75 percent, sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Many people with MTBI may experience long-term problems such as persistent headache, pain, vision or hearing problems, memory problems, or sleep disturbances. They may also have difficulty returning to routine, daily activities and may be unable to return to work for many weeks or months. The CDC has developed a physician tool kit to improve clinical diagnosis and management of MTBI. The kit contains clinical
information, patient information in English and Spanish, scientific literature, and a CD-ROM and is available on-line at
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/tbi_toolkit/toolkit.htm.
Smoke alarm installation and fire-safety education
Since 1998, CDC has funded smoke alarm installation and fire safety education programs in high-risk communities—those with fire death rates higher than state and national averages and median household incomes below the poverty level. An informal sample of program homes found that
1,053 lives have been saved thus far. Program staff have canvassed more than 380,047 homes and installed almost 269,990 long-lasting smoke alarms in high-risk homes, targeting households with children ages five years and younger and adults ages 65 years and older. Fire safety messages have reached millions of people as a result
of these programs. CDC funded 14 states from 1998 to 2000. Based on the success of these programs, CDC awarded funding to 13 states in 2001 to install long-lasting, lithium-powered smoke alarms and to provide fire-safety education in homes in high-risk communities. In 2002, 3 additional states were funded for these activities, bringing the total number of CDC-funded states to 16. For more information about preventing residential fires visit www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fire.htm.
Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA)
CDC is funding 14 state domestic violence coalitions to develop and implement prevention activities that can be integrated into Coordinated Community Responses (CCRs) or similar community-based collaborations. The DELTA program funds state domestic violence coalitions that act as intermediary organizations, providing prevention-focused technical assistance, training, and funding to local communities. Funded state coalitions are Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/ipvfacts.htm
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. [cited 2006 Apr 5]. Available from URL: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars.
Finkelstein EA, Corso PS, Miller TR, Associates. Incidence and Economic Burden of Injuries in the United States. New York: Oxford University Press; 2006.
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