Acute traumatic injuries in rural populations

Author: Peek-Asa C / Zwerling C / Stallones L
Publication: American Journal of Public Health
Topics: Accidents/Unintentional Public Health U.S./National Urban/Rural
Keywords: Mortality rural unintentional injury urban
Bibliographic information +

The authors assess the factors that contribute to differences in rates and patterns of injury among rural and urban populations, using 2001 data from federal agencies. The unintentional injury mortality rate for rural counties was twice as high as that of metropolitan areas. Disparities were greatest among male residents of the western United States, whose suicide rate was 80% higher in rural areas than in metropolitan areas. Delay in receiving trauma care is one of the major factors responsible for the increase mortality rate in rural areas.