Risk for Future Firearm Violence in High-Risk Youth

Over half of youth presenting to an urban ED and reporting recent drug use experienced firearm violence within the next two years.

In a prospective study of youth (aged 14–24 years) presenting to a Flint, Michigan, emergency department (ED) and reporting recent drug use (within the past 6 months), investigators evaluated the risk for future firearm violence. A total of 349 patients with assault injuries and 250 age- and sex-matched patients who presented for other reasons were evaluated every 6 months for 24 months; about 80% completed follow-up.

During the follow-up period, 252 patients (52%) reported firearm violence; there was an average of eight incidents, most within the first 6 months. Among those reporting firearm violence, 96% were victims (threatened with a gun or shot at), 32% were aggressors, 8% required ED care for firearm injuries, and two died from firearm…

Reviewing Author

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)

Katherine Bakes, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier)

Grant/Research SupportDepartment of Justice

Editorial BoardsEmergency Medicine Secrets (Elsevier); Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (Elsevier)

Risk for Future Firearm Violence in High-Risk Youth

Topics

Reviewing Author