Demographic and Social Factors Associated With Pediatric Firearm Injuries: A Retrospective Review.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Trauma
• Public Health
• Sociodemographic Risk Factors

Background:

• Memphis, Tennessee, exhibits the highest per capita violent crime rate in the U.S.
• Tennessee enacted permit-less carry legislation on July 1, 2021.
• Pediatric firearm injuries present a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, social, and legislative risk factors for pediatric ballistic injuries.
• To analyze trends in firearm injuries among children presenting to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (LBCH).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients (0-18 years) with firearm-related injuries from 2010-2023.
• Data collected included age, sex, race, mortality, school zoning, and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI).
• Statistical analyses included T test, chi-squared test, and Poisson regression.

Main Results:

• A total of 1471 subjects were analyzed; 79.13% were male, 78.11% Black, and 56.8% aged 14-18 years.
• Pediatric firearm injuries increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-August 2021).
• Black males, older adolescents (14-18), and those in high SVI areas faced higher injury risks. Permit-less carry legislation correlated with a 23.78% increase in injuries.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents who are Black, male, and reside in high SVI areas are disproportionately affected by firearm injuries.
• Increased gun access and poverty in Memphis exacerbate firearm injuries as a major public health issue.
• Further research and interventions are crucial to mitigate these risk factors and reduce pediatric firearm injuries.