In a recent study that compared rural vs urban hospitalizations for firearm injuries among US children and adolescents, hospitalizations among urban children and adolescents aged 15 to 19 years represented the highest injury rate. The Kids’ Inpatient Database was used to identify hospitalizations for firearm injuries in patients aged <20 years. Data from 2006, 2009, and 2012 were analyzed to compare demographics and intent. Urban-rural classification was based on patients’ county of residence. Among the findings:

• There were 21,581 hospitalizations for firearm injuries.
• The overall hospitalization rate was higher in urban vs rural areas.
• Rates were highest for assaults in urban individuals aged 15 to 19 years.
• Unintentional injuries were the leading cause of hospitalizations in younger age groups in all urban and rural locations.
• Rates for unintentional injuries were lower among urban vs rural individuals aged 5 to 9 years and 10 to 14 years.