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Published on: November 21, 2013
Youth in detention and handguns
C M Callahan1, F P Rivara, J A Farrow
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle.
Summary
Many detained youth own handguns, with over half reporting ownership. Firearm experiences, including self-injury and witnessing violence, pose significant health risks for this population.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Youth in detention facilities represent a high-risk population with unique exposure to violence.
- Understanding firearm involvement among detained youth is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the prevalence and associated factors of handgun ownership and firearm injury experiences in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of handgun ownership among male youth in a detention facility.
- To identify correlates of handgun ownership, including problem behaviors.
- To describe the range of firearm injury and exposure experiences within this population.
Main Methods:
- A convenience sample of 89 males completed an anonymous survey at the King County Youth Services Center.
- The survey assessed handgun ownership, firearm experiences (e.g., carrying guns, firing at others, self-injury), motivations for ownership, and problem behaviors.
- Statistical analyses, including odds ratios, were used to identify associations between handgun ownership and problem behaviors.
Main Results:
- A majority of detained males (59%) reported handgun ownership.
- Significant firearm experiences included carrying a gun to school (46%), firing at another person (68% of owners), and self-inflicted firearm injury (27%).
- Handgun ownership was strongly associated with gang membership (OR 6.7), assault and battery (OR 7.7), and drug dealing (OR 3.6).
Conclusions:
- Handgun ownership and associated firearm experiences are highly prevalent among male youth in detention.
- Motivations for self-arming were primarily driven by personal safety concerns.
- Firearm involvement among detained youth presents health risks comparable to or exceeding other high-risk behaviors in this population.
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