Association of Community Vulnerability and State Gun Laws With Firearm Deaths in Children and Adolescents

JAMA Network Open

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 11 A.M. (ET), WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023

Media advisory: The full study is linked to this news release.

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About The Study: In this study including 5,813 youths ages 10 to 19 who died of an assault-related firearm injury, socially vulnerable communities in the U.S. experienced a disproportionate number of assault-related firearm deaths among youths. Although stricter gun laws were associated with lower death rates in all communities, these gun laws did not equalize the consequences on a relative scale, and disadvantaged communities remained disproportionately impacted. While legislation is necessary, it may not be sufficient to solve the problem of assault-related firearm deaths among children and adolescents. 

Authors: Deepika Nehra, M.D., of the University of Washington in Seattle, is the corresponding author. 

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.14863)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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