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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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April 12, 2002
Contact: CDC, National Center for Injury
Prevention and Control
(770) 488–4902
Fact Sheet
Traumatic Brain Injury
Although injuries are the second leading cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), little is known about non-fatal
injuries in this population. This study describes the causes and impact of one type of injury— traumatic brain injury (TBI) on AI/ANs using
Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal or contract hospital discharge data.
- Between 1992-1996, IHS, tribal, or contract care hospitals recorded 4,491 TBI-related hospitalizations among AI/ANs with an average length
of stay of 4.7 days. Males had almost three times as many TBIs as females.
- The major causes of hospitalizations for TBI were motor vehicle collisions (24%), assaults (17%), and falls (16%). These findings indicate
that falls contribute to TBI among AI/AN almost as much as assaults.
- Among AI/ANs age 15-24, motor vehicle collisions were the most common cause of TBI. For young adults 25-34 years and 35-44 years, assaults
were the most likely cause of TBI, although only 5% of cases involved firearms. For youth 0-14 years and adults 45 years and older, falls
were the leading cause of injury.
- The highest number of hospitalized TBIs among AI/ANs were found in the Northern Plain states and Alaska.
- In a previous CDC study, the Navajo Nation has shown that enactment and enforcement of a mandatory seat belt law led to increases in seat
belt use and a 29% reduction in motor-vehicle-related injuries among Navajo Nation residents.
Notes to the Editor:
For the MMWR, please link to this website: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr. For more information about
injuries, visit the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc.
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CDC protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing
credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international
organizations.
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