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The Economic Costs of Injuries
Injuries account for more than 160,000 deaths each year and millions more people are injured each year and survive (WISQARS 2006). For many people, the injury causes temporary pain and inconvenience; for others, the injury leads to suffering, disability, chronic pain, and a profound change in life circumstances, including substantial financial consequences. The economic costs of injuries include the costs associated with medical treatment as well as lost productivity costs, including wages and accompanying fringe benefits and the ability to perform one’s normal household responsibilities.
The Problem
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Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in the first four decades of life. Motor vehicle crashes account for the greatest number of these deaths (WISQARS 2006).
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In 2003 unintentional injures killed more than 109,000 people of all ages (WISQARS 2006).
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Suicide took the lives of 31,484 people in 2003 (WISQARS 2006).
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In 2003, homicide claimed the lives of 17,732 Americans (WISQARS 2006).
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Unintentional falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury-related emergency department (WISQARS 2006).
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One in six women and one in thirty-three men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives (Tjaden and Thoennes 2000).
The Cost
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In 2000 alone, the 50 million injuries that required medical treatment will ultimately cost $406 billion. This includes estimates of $80.2 billion in medical care costs and $326 billion in productivity losses (Finkelstein 2006).
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Males accounted for approximately 70% ($283 billion) of the total lifetime costs of injuries that occurred in 2000 (Finkelstein 2006).
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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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Motor vehicle and fall injuries account for 22% ($89 billion) and 20% ($81 billion) of the total lifetime costs of injuries that occurred in 2000 (Finkelstein 2006).
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Upper extremity and lower extremity injuries each account for 17% ($68 billion) of the total lifetime costs of injuries that occurred in 2000 (Finkelstein 2006).
Preventing Injuries
CDC is conducting research and programs to identify effective prevention strategies for reducing the burden of unintentional and violent injuries. 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.
Older Adult Falls Prevention
CDC has released new educational materials to help older adults prevent falls. Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults helps people to identify possible fall hazards and suggests solutions in each room of their home. What You Can Do to Prevent Falls focuses on the four key messages: begin a regular exercise program, have your health care provider review your medicines, have your vision checked, and make your home safer. New posters that promote these four fall prevention activities are also available. These materials can be found online in English, Spanish, and Chinese at
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/brochures.htm.
Developing a National Violent Death Reporting System
Currently CDC funds seventeen states as part of the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). These states gather, share, and link state-level data about violence from medical examiners, coroners, police, crime labs, and death certificates. NVDRS enables CDC and states to access vital, state-level information to gain a more accurate understanding of the problem of violence. This will enable policy makers and community leaders to make informed decisions about violence prevention strategies and programs. For more information about the National Violent Death Reporting System visit
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/profiles/nvdrs/facts.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.
Tjaden P, Thoennes N. Full report of the prevalence, incidence, and consequences of violence against women: findings from the national violence against women survey. Washington: National Institute of Justice; 2000. Report NCJ 183781.
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