Introduction to Gun Injury Risks in Children
CHICAGO (WGN) — A group of Northwestern researchers has released a new study that looks at the link between zip codes and gun injuries. The published study comes after a Chicago boy died after accessing an unsecured gun and firing. Dr. Anne Stey, a Northwestern Medicine trauma surgeon and an assistant professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, is the senior author of the new study, which found that children in disadvantaged zip codes face up to 20 times higher odds of gun-related injuries.
Study Findings
The study also found that most hospitalizations for gun injuries among children under 18 are the result of unintentional shootings — incidents caused by mishandling or accidental discharge of a gun. "Our study shows that where you and your family live is directly tied to your child’s odds of being injured or killed by a firearm," Stey said.
Analysis of Data
The study, made public on Aug 25, analyzed hospital discharge data for nearly 7,000 gun injuries among children from birth to the age of 17 between 2016 and 2021. It’s also the first to examine how children’s neighborhood conditions across multiple states are linked to firearm injuries, which is currently the leading cause of death among U.S. children.
Implications of the Study
"The thing that probably surprised me the most is how widespread this is," Stey told WGN’s Lourdes Duarte on the Evening News at 4 p.m. "This is across multiple states, across multiple cities; this is not just a one-city or one-state problem. This is something that we are all dealing with; even in areas with very high childhood economic opportunities, there were still injuries that were noted."
Access to the Study and Further Information
Readers may view the study by clicking here. Watch the entire interview in the video player above. Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGN’s Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant link between zip codes and gun injury risks to kids, emphasizing that disadvantaged areas have up to 20 times higher odds of such incidents. This research underscores the need for community-wide efforts to prevent gun injuries among children, focusing on safe storage practices, education, and addressing socioeconomic disparities.
FAQs
- Q: What is the main finding of the Northwestern Medicine study regarding gun injuries in children?
A: The study found that children in disadvantaged zip codes face up to 20 times higher odds of gun-related injuries. - Q: What causes most hospitalizations for gun injuries among children under 18?
A: Most hospitalizations for gun injuries among children under 18 are the result of unintentional shootings. - Q: How many gun injuries among children were analyzed in the study?
A: The study analyzed hospital discharge data for nearly 7,000 gun injuries among children from birth to the age of 17 between 2016 and 2021. - Q: Is the study limited to a specific city or state?
A: No, the study examines children’s neighborhood conditions across multiple states and finds that the issue is widespread, affecting many areas. - Q: Where can readers access the full study?
A: Readers may view the study by clicking on the provided link.
