Trends in falls, poisoning, drowning, and burns Wisconsin: 1986-1996.

Falls, poisoning, drowning, and burns comprise the four most common causes of unintentional injury death not related to motor vehicles. We examine mortality trends for these causes of injury in Wisconsin over a 10-year period (1986-1996). While national age-adjusted rates for fall mortality have remained relatively stable, Wisconsin has experienced a sharp 38% increase. The greatest increase in fall mortality was seen in the aged. Nationally, poisoning mortality rose by approximately 50% during this same period while Wisconsin saw almost no increase in mortality (3%) from poisoning. Wisconsin did experience an increase in deaths from poisoning in middle-aged adults. Mortality from drowning decreased by about 28% both in Wisconsin and in the United States, with much of the progress occurring in children and young adults. Burn mortality also declined nationally and within Wisconsin by 30% to 35%. The Wisconsin Public Health Department's "Healthier People in Wisconsin" objectives for the year 2000 will likely be met for drowning and burns, but not for falls. Overall, unintentional injury mortality in Wisconsin is decreasing. However, specific subpopulations are not reaping the benefits of this decline, suggesting a possible focus for future efforts aimed at lowering unintentional injury mortality.