Correlates of Intentional and Unintentional Firearm-Related Injuries Among Pediatric Hospital Patients

Gun violence has continued to be the leading cause of pediatric injuries in recent years (CDC, 2022). Given the sparse literature on this topic, the current study examined correlates of the types of firearm-related injuries (i.e. intentional and unintentional) among pediatric patients within the Trauma Services Division of a Level-1 pediatric hospital (N = 87). The results indicated that patients in later developmental stages, particularly adolescence, and those with higher ACE score were significantly more likely to experience an intentional firearm injury, whereas white patients were significantly less likely to experience an intentional firearm injury, highlighting the structural factors that increase the risk of firearm violence including poverty and systemic racism. We discuss the implications and need for expanded hospital- and school-based violence prevention programs.

Automated summary

Gun violence has remained the primary cause of injuries among pediatric patients. This study examined the factors associated with firearm-related injuries in a pediatric hospital. The results revealed that adolescents and patients with higher ACE scores were more likely to experience intentional firearm injuries, while white patients were less likely to experience intentional firearm injuries. These findings highlight the structural factors such as poverty and systemic racism that contribute to the increased risk of firearm violence. Therefore, there is a need to expand violence prevention programs in hospitals and schools.