Work

Adolescents and Firearms: A California Statewide Survey

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We assessed the prevalence and correlates of adolescents' reports regarding firearms in their homes, of their own, of close friends, and of same-aged peers. METHODS: Random-digit-dialed interviews were conducted with 5801 adolescents as part of the California Health Interview Survey. RESULTS: One fifth (19.6%) of California adolescents reported having a firearm in their homes; few (3.0%) reported having their own gun. Characteristics associated with having one's own gun and with perceptions regarding others' guns generally were consistent with characteristics associated with having a firearm in the home. The 2 exceptions were related to socioeconomic status and to ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: The source from which adolescents obtain guns, especially adolescents from less wealthy households, merits further investigation. Further research is needed to ascertain the accuracy of Black and Latino adolescents' perceptions regarding handguns among their peers.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.94.5.852

Authors: Susan B. Sorenson, Katherine A. Vittes

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Gun Ownership and Violence Research

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funders: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Joyce Foundation, University of California, Los Angeles