Violent Youth Mortality (15-24) in 21st Century- Suicides, Assaults, Transport Deaths in USA and Other Western Countries.

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is characterized by impetuosity, which can lead to fatalities- suicide, assault, and transport deaths, the key being access to lethal means. This population- based study examines violent deaths in the 21st Century by comparing America with nineteen Other Western Countries’ (OWC). Method: All mortality data is drawn from WHO latest report, comparing bases- line years 2000-02 to index years 2013-15 for Youth (15-24years) of both sexes. Changes in Youth rates per million (pm) of these three types of violent deaths are calculated and for Total mortality the Age-Standardized-Deaths-Rates (ASDR). Chi square test are used to compare each OWC with the USA outcomes. Based upon the world- small- arms survey national gun ownership per thousand persons (ptp) are examined and rank order correlations used to determine any possible association. Results: Over the period USA Suicide rates increased for Youth by 16%, the average in OWC was a 22% fall. American Youth Assault rate was almost double the Total ASDR (99pm to 55pm respectively) and Youth and ASDR rates were more than fight times the OWC average. USA Youth Transport deaths at 158pm were double the average of other countries. USA gun ownership far exceeded OWC, correlating with Youth suicide. Conclusions: USA Youth Violent death rates are worse compared with most OWCs, especially increased suicide, which correlated with gun ownership. Youth Assaults and Suicide this century numbered 142,784 or 8,924pa. There is a specific need for specific public health focus on American Youth violent deaths which are even higher than recent US military losses.