Hospitalisations and deaths due to unintentional cutting or piercing injuries at home amongst young and middle-aged New Zealanders

AimsTo describe the incidence and characteristics of unintentional cutting or piercing injuries at home resulting in death or hospital inpatient treatment amongst young and middle-aged New Zealanders.Patients and methodsInpatient admissions amongst individuals aged 20–64 years with a primary diagnosis of cutting or piercing injury (ICD-9AM E code: E920, and ICD-10-AM E codes: W25–29, W45) and a length of stay of 24 h or more, were identified using the national morbidity (1997–2006) and mortality (1996–2005) databases compiled by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Relevant data were extracted and analysed.ResultsDuring the 10-year period (1997–2006) 21,559 people aged 20–64 years had a primary admission to hospital for an injury caused by unintentional cutting or piercing, 29% (6355) of which occurred at home. The place of injury was not identified in a further 43% (9293) of records. During the 10-year period (1996–2005) 25 people aged 20–64 years died of injuries of this nature, 18 of which occurred at home (in 2 cases the place of injury was not recorded). The hospitalisation rate following cutting or piercing at home was 24.9 per 100,000. For every death there were 352 admissions to hospital, with rates of admission almost two-fold greater amongst 20–24 year olds compared to those aged 60–64 years.ConclusionAlmost 30% of unintentional cutting or piercing related injuries amongst young and middle-aged adults occur at home. Whilst death is uncommon, the causes and preventability of the high numbers of hospitalisations, particularly amongst young adults, require research attention.