Douglas AY, Mehan TJ, Collins CL, et al. Acute computer-related injuries treated in U.S. EDs, 1994-2006. Am J Prev Med. 2009;37(1):24-28.
Computer ownership and use have increased extensively over the past few years. No previous research has examined whether and to what extent home computers and equipment are related to acute injuries. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was used to examine cases of acute computer-related injuries treated in U.S. EDs from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 2006. Analysis was conducted from June 2008 through August 2008. During the study period, an estimated 78,703 (95% CI = 61,394 to 96,011) individuals ages 1 month to 89 years were treated in U.S. EDs for acute injuries related to computers. Children younger than 5 had the highest injury rate of all age groups (43.4%). Patients 60 years and older (37.7%) experienced injuries resulting from either hitting or getting caught on computer equipment. Individuals of all other ages made up the remaining percentage (36.9%). The number of acute computer-related injuries increased by 732% over the 13-year study period, which is more than double the increase in household computer ownership (309%). Given the increase in computer ownership and the more-than-sevenfold increase in acute computer-related injuries observed over the study period, increased efforts are needed to prevent such injuries, especially among young children.