Author(s): Kimberly Dalve, Alice M. Ellyson, Emma Gause, Vivian H. Lyons, Julia P. Schleimer, Margaret R. Kuklinski, Sabrina Oesterle, John S. Briney, Elizabeth H. Weybright, & Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
Publication:
2023. "Journal of Adolescent Health" 72, 4: 636-639.
Identifier(s): Citation Key: 10504
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.10.033
Publication type:
Journal Article
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Abstract:
Purpose
To characterize school handgun carrying and violence risk factors among rural youth.
Methods
Using a sample of rural youth (n = 1995), we quantified the proportion who carried a handgun to school, carried but not to school, and did not carry across grades 7–12 and endorsed risk factors for violence in individual, peer, school, and community domains.
Results
Overall, 3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2%–4%) of youth ever carried to school; 15% (95% CI: 14%–16%) carried but not to school; and 82% (95% CI: 80%–84%) never carried. Violence risk factors (e.g., attacking someone) were more commonly endorsed by youth who carried to school (84%; 95% CI: 73%–95%) than those who carried but not to school (51%; 95% CI: 44%–58%) and did not carry (23%; 95% CI: 20%–26%).
Discussion
Carrying a handgun to school in rural areas is not common; however, it is associated with risk factors for violence. Understanding violence risk factors among youth who carry handguns to school could inform violence prevention programs in rural areas.