A study published online today in the journal Pediatrics studied the relationship between gun possession and injuries in youth.  Firearm death is currently the leading cause of death among youth and researchers hoped to better understand the relationship between gun possession and risk.  They identified the correlation between gun possession and emergency department visits for assault; risks associated with gun possession; and characteristics of the youth population that carries firearms.

The researchers found that one-fourth of youth that presented with assault-related injuries at an urban emergency department reported carrying a gun in the six months prior to the injury.  They conducted their study at the only public hospital and major level 1 trauma center in Flint, Michigan.  Over two years, researchers administered a confidential survey to 689 participants between the ages of 14 and 24.

The results also identified some characteristics of this population.  While the majority of gun owners are male, 30 percent of the youth that possessed guns were female.  Other characteristics of the majority include higher socioeconomic status, use of illicit drugs, and previously having been involved in a serious fight.  Only 17 percent reported that they obtained their guns legally and 22 percent reported owning an automatic or semiautomatic weapon.

The rate of death related to firearms has been declining in American youth, but still remains the top cause of death.  At its peak in 1994, firearm-associated death in those aged 15 to 19 was 27.8 deaths per 100,000 people.  As of 2009, it was 11.4 per 100,000.  The rate of homicides using guns in victims between the ages of 15 and 24 was 35.7 times higher than other countries.  It is estimated that gun violence cost the economy $17.4 billion annually in medical costs and lost productivity.

Given the impact that firearms-related injuries have had on the youth population in America, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a strong position on the need for legislation.  The AAP states that the absence of guns is the most reliable means of protecting youth.  Specifically, there should be stronger regulations to cover the manufacture, sale, purchase, use, and ownership of guns, as well as banning assault weapons and further limiting civilian handguns.  Also, the AAP recommends pediatricians provide firearm safety counseling to patients and their families.  In contrast, the National Rifle Association (NRA) argues that gun laws actually do more harm and statistics are inflated.