Introduction
Young adults experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to firearm violence. This study
aims to explore the correlates of firearm violence involvement among this vulnerable
population, which may inform firearm violence reduction intervention development.
Methods
Between 2016 and 2017, young adults experiencing homelessness aged 18–26 years (N=1,426)
were recruited in 7 U.S. cities. Respondents completed a self-administered computer-assisted
anonymous survey regarding their homeless experiences and violence involvement. Separate
multivariate logistic regression models were conducted in 2020 to explore the correlates
of direct firearm violence victimization, witness of firearm violence, and firearm
violence perpetration.
Results
A high proportion of young adults experiencing homelessness were involved in firearm
violence (witnessing firearm violence: 40%; direct firearm violence victimization:
28%; perpetration: 18%). Stressful experiences, such as childhood trauma and street
victimization, were associated with greater odds of firearm violence involvement.
Black (OR=2.4, p<0.001) and Latinx (OR=2.0, p<0.05) young adults had greater odds of experiencing direct firearm violence victimization
than White young adults. Black (OR=2.0, p<0.01) and Latinx (OR=2.4, p<0.001) young adults were also at greater risk of witnessing firearm violence. Young
adults with mental illness had greater odds of being directly victimized by firearm
violence (OR=1.7, p<0.01).
Conclusions
Given the inter-related nature of firearm violence involvement and given that risk
factors for violence are often embedded in social and structural contexts, multipronged
community-based approaches to prevent firearm violence among young adults experiencing
homelessness are necessary. Targeted efforts may be indicated to attenuate the risk
and promote resilience among subgroups of young adults experiencing homelessness who
are disproportionately affected by firearm violence.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 02, 2021
Identification
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© 2021 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
