Peer-reviewed article

Interpersonal violence injuries among children and adolescents in the European Union from 1990 to 2023, a Global Burden of Disease study.

GBD 2023 Italy Interpersonal Violence Collaborators, Capodici A, Zamagni G, Armocida B, Castelpietra G et al. · 1 Jun 2026

Abstract

Interpersonal violence against children and adolescents constitutes a significant public health issue associated with substantial morbidity and long-term disability. This study utilizes Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 estimates to quantify the burden of interpersonal violence injuries among the population <20 years of age across the 27 European Union countries (EU27). We analysed incidence and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) for injury types and age groups (<5, 5-14, and 15-19 years). A 'Disability Drivers' analysis compared injury frequency against disability burden to identify priority areas. Long-term (1990-2023), mid-term (2010-2023), and short-term trends (2020-2023) were analysed to distinguish systemic risks from emerging threats. The analysis reveals geographical and temporal heterogeneity. In 2023, Hungary reported the highest incidence rate (1085.7 per 100 000; 95% UI: 917.6-1295.5), while Italy reported the lowest (131.9 per 100 000; 95% UI: 94.3-175.5). Despite low overall incidence, Italy exhibited short-term spikes (2020-2023) in severe trauma among children aged <5, with severe chest injuries rising by 79.1% (95% UI: 66.4%-92.3%). Long-term analysis identified systemic worsening in Eastern Europe, notably in Romania, where poisoning in children <5 years increased by 77.9% (95% UI: 55.5%-96.0%) since 1990. Violence-related injuries among children in the EU27 show a polarized pattern, with chronic burdens in Eastern Europe and emerging acute escalations in Southern Europe. Prevention strategies should consider both injury frequency and disability burden to effectively allocate resources.