Fatal Firearm Injuries in Tennessee: A Comparison Study of Tennessee's Two Most Populous Counties 2009-2012

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Firearm injuries represent a significant cause of violent death in Tennessee.
• Understanding geographic disparities in firearm mortality is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
• Previous research highlights the need for detailed county-level analysis of firearm fatality data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of fatal firearm injuries in Shelby County and Davidson County, Tennessee.
• To analyze differences in gunshot mortality rates, causes of death, and firearm types between the two counties.
• To identify specific age groups and racial demographics disproportionately affected by firearm fatalities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of gunshot fatality data from Shelby County and Davidson County, Tennessee, spanning 2009-2012.
• Identification and tabulation of 1081 gunshot fatalities within the study period.
• Calculation and comparison of age-adjusted mortality rates, crude mortality rates, and homicide/suicide rates by race and sex.

Main Results:

• Shelby County exhibited higher overall and male age-adjusted gunshot mortality rates compared to Davidson County.
• Age groups 25-34 and 35-44 years showed higher crude mortality rates in Shelby County.
• Homicide was the predominant manner of death in both counties, with handguns being the most common firearm used.

Conclusions:

• Significant geographic variations in firearm mortality exist within Tennessee, with Shelby County facing a greater burden.
• Racial disparities in firearm mortality are evident, with higher rates among Black males for mortality and homicide, and among White individuals for suicide.
• The findings underscore the need for tailored violence prevention strategies addressing specific demographic and geographic factors in Tennessee.