Qualitative analysis of Coroners' data into the unnatural deaths of children and adolescents
Qualitative analysis of Coroners' data into the unnatural deaths of children and adolescents
Introduction Unintentional injury and suicide are leading causes of death for adolescents, and reducing these is an important health priority. Coroners' records provide a valuable source of information on the events leading up to the death of an individual, and analysis of these records may help our understanding of the causal pathway, and elucidate potential areas for intervention.
Method All cases of unnatural death (poisoning, violence, unintentional injury) in young people aged 8–18 between 1996 and 2002 were identified from the death registers of one region in the UK. Data from Coroners' inquests were analysed to determine cause of death and involvement of professional agencies. A thematic analysis of the transcripts of statements presented at inquests aimed to identify areas of concern in the time immediately prior to death.
Results A total of 77 cases were identified of whom 16 (20.8%) died from alcohol/drug misuse, 20 (26%) by suicide or probable suicide and 41 (53.2%) by other injuries and poisoning. Thematic analysis highlighted: bullying, teenage sexualization and pregnancy, alcohol and substance misuse, reconstituted family difficulties and out of control behaviour as being significant factors on the causal pathway.
Conclusion This study based on comprehensive data from one region highlights some of the difficulties faced by young people as they negotiate how to deal with complex emotions and relationships. It also demonstrates how some parents and carers are uncertain about how to address their concerns. Finally, it shows how mortality among young people could potentially be markedly reduced if availability of alcohol and illicit and prescribed substances were reduced.
adolescents, children, qualitative analysis, thematic analysis, unnatural death
721-731
Valle, V.
31c78ed4-fffa-480c-a0dc-9d6e7e417cf4
Gosney, H.
efbfe231-c525-4394-bb95-24c7533fb073
Sinclair, J.
be3e54d5-c6da-4950-b0ba-3cb8cdcab13c
November 2008
Valle, V.
31c78ed4-fffa-480c-a0dc-9d6e7e417cf4
Gosney, H.
efbfe231-c525-4394-bb95-24c7533fb073
Sinclair, J.
be3e54d5-c6da-4950-b0ba-3cb8cdcab13c
Valle, V., Gosney, H. and Sinclair, J.
(2008)
Qualitative analysis of Coroners' data into the unnatural deaths of children and adolescents.
Child: Care, Health and Development, 34 (6), .
(doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00858.x).
Abstract
Introduction Unintentional injury and suicide are leading causes of death for adolescents, and reducing these is an important health priority. Coroners' records provide a valuable source of information on the events leading up to the death of an individual, and analysis of these records may help our understanding of the causal pathway, and elucidate potential areas for intervention.
Method All cases of unnatural death (poisoning, violence, unintentional injury) in young people aged 8–18 between 1996 and 2002 were identified from the death registers of one region in the UK. Data from Coroners' inquests were analysed to determine cause of death and involvement of professional agencies. A thematic analysis of the transcripts of statements presented at inquests aimed to identify areas of concern in the time immediately prior to death.
Results A total of 77 cases were identified of whom 16 (20.8%) died from alcohol/drug misuse, 20 (26%) by suicide or probable suicide and 41 (53.2%) by other injuries and poisoning. Thematic analysis highlighted: bullying, teenage sexualization and pregnancy, alcohol and substance misuse, reconstituted family difficulties and out of control behaviour as being significant factors on the causal pathway.
Conclusion This study based on comprehensive data from one region highlights some of the difficulties faced by young people as they negotiate how to deal with complex emotions and relationships. It also demonstrates how some parents and carers are uncertain about how to address their concerns. Finally, it shows how mortality among young people could potentially be markedly reduced if availability of alcohol and illicit and prescribed substances were reduced.
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Published date: November 2008
Keywords:
adolescents, children, qualitative analysis, thematic analysis, unnatural death
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Local EPrints ID: 62638
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/62638
ISSN: 0305-1862
PURE UUID: 1b7c650e-6882-4833-8135-5f626786ac15
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Date deposited: 06 Apr 2009
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 02:55
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Author:
V. Valle
Author:
H. Gosney
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