Increases in adolescent firearm injuries were associated with school closures during COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mitigation measures, including school closures, were enacted to protect the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the negative effects of mitigation measures are not fully known. Adolescents are uniquely vulnerable to policy changes since many depend on schools for physical, mental, and/or nutritional support.  This study explores the statistical relationships between school closures and adolescent firearm injuries (AFI) during the pandemic.

Methods

Data were drawn from a collaborative registry of 4 trauma centers in Atlanta, GA (2 adult and 2 pediatric). Firearm injuries affecting adolescents aged 11-21 years from 1/1/2016 to 6/30/2021 were evaluated. Local economic and COVID data were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Georgia Departmen

SUBMITTER: Bliton JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10246889 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature