Citation

Harris RA, Richmond TS, Mandell DS. J. Adolesc. Health 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.05.021

PMID

39066751

Abstract

PURPOSE: We report the chances of 14-year-old males becoming victims of firearm injury or death before age 25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

METHODS: Using life table methods, we followed 4,501 Black males aged 14 years, and a comparison group of 1,751 White males, over 11 years.

RESULTS: Among 14-year-old Black males, the risk of a nonfatal firearm injury before age 25 was 10.1% (95% confidence interval, 9.2%-11.0%), the risk of death from firearms was 2.5% (1.7%-3.2%), and the combined risk was 12.5% (11.0%-14.1%). Among White males, the risk of nonfatal firearm injury was 0.8% (0.3%-1.2%), the risk of death was 0.3% (0.02%-0.5%), and the combined risk was 1.0% (0.5%-1.5%).

DISCUSSION: Risk estimates reveal the dire likelihood of firearm injury or death among Black adolescent males in Philadelphia. Immediate interventions are needed to de-escalate conflicts, provide supports, and address the upstream causes of violence like poverty and structural racism.

Language: en

Keywords

Young adults; Adolescents; Black males; Cumulative risk; Fatal firearm injuries; Life table; Nonfatal firearm injuries; Racial disparity; White males