Community member perspectives on gun violence intervention in the southeast USA: a mixed-methods, cross-sectional...

South Carolina ranks ninth in the USA for its firearm death rates and black non-Hispanic residents are most impacted. The purpose of this research was to learn more from community members in the Charleston, South Carolina Tri-County area regarding steps to achieve a reduction in local gun violence.

Researchers conducted an online survey of community members (n=153) using a community-based participatory research approach. The research questions were developed in collaboration with the Tri-County Gun Violence Coordinating Council. Community members were trained in research methods and involved in the design, recruitment and conduct of the study.

Participants ranked the most important approach to focus on as offering youth at risk for gun violence social resources and mentor services. The ranked order of approaches participants would like to see started first began with a public campaign to lock cars to reduce gun theft, followed by youth mentoring and building a database on gun crime. We identified significant differences in rating of importance and feasibility by demographic variables.

Community members prioritised strategies that align with reducing community gun violence using a social determinants of health approach, yet demographic differences in preferences exist.