Firearm Injury, It's Not Just Physical: The Adverse Impact on Patient-Reported Socioeconomic, Mental Health, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes

Background: The burden of firearm injury (FI) extends beyond hospitalization; however, literature focuses mostly on short-term physical outcomes. This study aimed to assess changes in patient-reported outcomes following firearm-related trauma. We hypothesized long-term patient-reported socioeconomic, mental health, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes are worse post-FI compared to pre-FI.Methods: This was a retrospective study where a phone survey was conducted with FI survivors admitted between January 2017 and August 2022 at a level 1 trauma center. Survey questions assessed demographics, socioeconomics, and mental and physical health pre-FI vs ≥ 6 months post-FI; the McNemar test was used for comparisons. The PROMIS-29 + 2v2.1 NIH validated instrument was used to assess long-term QoL. Standardized NIH PROMIS T-scores were calculated using the HealthMeasures Scoring Service.Results: Of 204 eligible FI survivors, 71 were successfully contacted and 38 surveyed. Respondents were male (86.8%), Black (76%), and aged 18-29 (55.3%), and 68.4% had high school level education. Post-FI, patients were more likely to be unemployed (55.2% vs 13.2%, P < .001) and report increased mental health needs (84.2% vs 21%, P < .001) compared to pre-FI. Most (73.7%) also reported lasting physical disability. Similarly, the PROMIS instrument demonstrated largely worse health-related QoL scores post-FI, particularly high anxiety/fear (T-score 60.2, SE 3.1, CI 54.6-66.3, Table 2), pain resulting in life interference (T-score 60.0, SE 2.3, CI 55.7-63.9), and worse physical function (T-score 42.5, SE 3.0, CI 38.2-46.9).Conclusions: Firearm injury survivors had more unemployment and worse mental health post-FI compared to pre-FI. Firearm injury survivors also reported significantly worse health-related QoL metrics including pain, anxiety, and physical function 6 months following their trauma. These long-term patient-reported outcomes are a framework to build future outpatient resources.Level of Evidence: IV.

Gunshot Trauma Patients Have Higher Risk of PTSD Compared With Blunt Trauma and Elective Populations: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Outpatient Orthopaedic Care

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been extensively studied in patients who have experienced natural disasters or military conflict, but there remains a substantial gap in knowledge about the prevalence of PTSD after civilian orthopaedic trauma, especially as related to firearms. Gun violence is endemic in the United States, especially in urban centers, and the mental impact is often minimized during the treatment of physical injuries.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do patients who experience gunshot wound (GSW) trauma have higher PTSD screening scores compared with patients with blunt or other trauma (for example, motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents or stab wounds) and those with elective conditions (for example, arthritis, tendinitis, or nerve compression)? (2) Are PTSD scores correlated with pain scores in patients with GSW trauma, those with non-GSW trauma, and patients with elective orthopaedic symptoms?

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of adults older than 18 years of age presenting to an orthopaedic clinic over an 8-month period between August 2021 and May 2022. All patients presenting to the clinic were approached for inclusion (2034 patients), and 630 new or postoperative patients answered study surveys as part of routine care. Patients were divided into three cohorts based on the orthopaedic condition with which they presented, whether gunshot trauma, blunt trauma, or elective orthopaedic symptoms. Overall, the results from 415 patients were analyzed, including 212 patients with elective orthopaedic symptoms, 157 patients with non-GSW trauma, and 46 patients with GSW trauma. Clinical data including demographic information were collected at the time of appointment and abstracted along with results from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, short screening questionnaire, which uses a 7-item scale scored from 0 to 7 (with higher scores representing worse symptoms), and from the numeric rating scale for pain (range 0 to 10). Both questionnaires were routinely administered by medical assistants at patient intake. The proportions of patients completing PTSD scoring were 45% (95) in the elective group, 74% (116) in the group with non-GSW trauma, and 85% (39) in the group with GSW trauma (p = 0.01). We compared the PTSD scores across the three groups and then dichotomized the scores as a negative versus positive screening result at a value of ≥ 4 with further comparative analysis. The correlation between pain and PTSD scores was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with GSW trauma had higher mean ± SD PTSD scores compared with those who had non-GSW trauma (4.87 ± 4.05 versus 1.75 ± 2.72, mean difference 3.21 [95% CI 1.99 to 4.26]; p < 0.001) and those who presented with elective conditions (4.87 ± 4.05 versus 0.49 ± 1.04, mean difference 4.38 [95% CI 3.50 to 5.26]; p < 0.001). When dichotomized for positive or negative PTSD screening results, patients with GSW trauma had a higher risk of having PTSD (64% [25 of 39]) compared with patients with non-GSW trauma (27% [31 of 116], relative risk 2.40 [95% CI 1.64 to 3.51]; p < 0.001) and compared with patients with elective conditions (4% [4 of 95], relative risk 15.22 [95% CI 5.67 to 40.87]; p < 0.001). Pain scores were correlated with PTSD scores only for patients with non-GSW trauma (ρ = 0.37; p < 0.0001). No correlation with pain scores was present for patients with GSW (ρ = 0.24; p = 0.16) or patients with elective conditions (ρ = -0.04; p = 0.75).

CONCLUSION

In an orthopaedic clinic population, the prevalence of positive screening for PTSD was highest in the population sustaining gunshot trauma as compared with blunt or other trauma and elective orthopaedic conditions. Interestingly, pain scores correlated with PTSD screening only in the patients with non-GSW trauma. These differences suggest a substantial difference in the populations at risk of PTSD after trauma. Overall, the psychological impacts of gun trauma are poorly understood. The next step would be to prospectively study the differences and timelines of PTSD screening in patients with GSW trauma in comparison with patients with blunt or other trauma to better define the treatment needs in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study.

Childhood Exposure to Firearm Violence in Chicago and Its Impact on Mental Health

OBJECTIVE

To describe how often Chicago children are exposed to firearm violence, the types of exposure, and the parent-reported impact of these exposures on child mental health symptoms.

METHODS

Data were collected in May-July 2022 using the Voices of Child Health in Chicago Parent Panel Survey, administered to parents with children aged 2-17 years from all 77 Chicago neighborhoods. Firearm violence exposure was characterized as indirect (hearing gunshots or knowing someone who was shot) or direct (witnessing a shooting, being threatened with a firearm, being shot at but not injured, or being shot and injured). Parents indicated if children in their household had any of the following mental health symptoms associated with firearm violence exposure: fear, anxiety, sadness, isolation, difficulty concentrating, difficulty in school, or aggression. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 989 Chicago parents. More than one third (37%) of children were exposed to firearm violence with an indirect exposure prevalence of 32% and a direct exposure prevalence of 10%. Mental health symptoms associated with firearm violence exposure were reported for 20% of children. Mental health symptoms were reported for 7% of children without firearm violence exposure compared to 31% with indirect exposure (aOR 6.2, 95% CI: 3.7, 10.6) and 68% with direct exposure (aOR 36.1, 95% CI: 16.6, 78.6) CONCLUSIONS: Chicago children with indirect and direct exposure to firearm violence had more parent-reported mental health symptoms than unexposed children. Trauma informed care approaches to mitigate the negative mental health effects of both direct and indirect firearm violence exposure are critical.

Personal goals of young survivors of violent injury: implications for practice

INTRODUCTION

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death among young people in the USA and disproportionately impact communities of colour and those experiencing socioeconomic distress. Understanding the personal goals of violently injured patients is essential to identifying protective factors and developing interventions that promote them. However, limited research characterising these personal goals exists.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to use qualitative thematic analysis to analyse and describe the personal goals of young people who enrolled in a region-wide hospital-based violence intervention programme after surviving a violent injury.

METHODS

A qualitative coding framework was developed, evaluated, and implemented using data from Life Outside of Violence, the St. Louis Area Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programme. Chart abstraction procedures were used to compile qualitative data on Life Outside of Violence participants' personal goals documented by clinical case managers during individual treatment planning sessions with participants (n=168). Descriptive analyses are reported and implications for practice are discussed.

RESULTS

Key findings reveal that (1) violent injury survivors have unmet therapeutic and resource needs, indicating the importance of having service providers with both clinical and case management skills, (2) anger management is a common clinical goal, and (3) employment opportunities are a common resource need.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study inform the implementation of the Life Outside of Violence programme and offer a roadmap to other hospital-based violence intervention programmes operating nation-wide. Our results provide insight into participants' needs, desires, and motivations, allowing unique opportunities for improved participant engagement and service delivery.

Identifying mental health outcomes and evidence-based psychological interventions for supporting pediatric gunshot wound patients: A systematic review and proposed conceptual model

BACKGROUND

Accidental and assault gunshot wounds (GSWs) are the second leading cause of injury in the United States for youth ages 1- to 17-years-old, resulting in significant negative effects on pediatric patients' mental health functioning. Despite the critical implications of GSWs, there has yet to be a systematic review synthesizing trends in mental health outcomes for pediatric patients; a gap the present review fills. Additionally, this review identifies evidence-based psychological interventions shown to be effective in the treatment of subclinical symptoms of psychological disorders in the general population.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted using five databases: American Psychological Association (APA) PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resource Information Center (ERIC), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Systems Online (MEDLINE). Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Findings suggest pediatric GSW patients are at a significantly elevated risk for mental health disorders when compared to other- (e.g., motor vehicle collision) and non-injured youth. Disorders include post-traumatic stress, disruptive behavior, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Hospital-based violence intervention programs, cultivating supportive relationships with adults in one's community, and trauma-focused outpatient services were identified as effective interventions for treating subclinical psychological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Depicted in the proposed conceptual model, the present study delineates a direct association between pediatric GSWs and subsequent onset of mental health disorders. This relation is buffered by evidence-based psychological interventions targeting subclinical symptoms. Results suggest brief psychological interventions can help treat mental health challenges, minimizing risk for significant long-term concerns. Cultural adaptations to enhance the utility and accessibility of interventions for all patients are recommended.

"I am a survivor!": Violently Injured Black Men's Perceptions of Labeling After a Violent Firearm Injury

Self-appraisal after a life-altering event is a critical process for individuals, often comprised by assigned labels that may not align with an individuals' perceptions of themselves or of their situation. Existing research within this victim-survivor dichotomy largely rests in the interpersonal violence space, with a victim assuming legal recourse and wrongdoing, and a survivor associating with positive personal characteristics like grit and resilience. Much existing literature on self-appraisal after interpersonal injury is heavily concentrated within the sexual violence literature, and this study applies these concepts to a sample of Black men injured by firearms. Ten Black men enrolled in a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) were interviewed to understand how they label their experience of firearm injury, and if their perceptions aligned with common labels seen among other populations and/or in other areas of study (e.g., cancer, domestic violence). Each participant assigned themselves their own label, with three labels emerging: survivor, victim and survivor, and neither victim nor survivor. The results illustrate the nuance of experiences beyond the victim-survivor dichotomy, and how labels and personal identities may shift following injury into new terms and considerations of resilience and trauma processing. More research is warranted to understand the factors that shape self-labeling within this population, including influences of masculine norms, racialized stereotypes, community context, and availability of services. Findings support public awareness campaigns to reframe surviving violence as a strength, and for community partners and practitioners to increase access to culturally competent and trauma-informed mental healthcare.

Protect and Provide: Perceptions of Manhood and Masculinities Among Disabled Violently Injured Black Men in a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program

Exploring the post-injury lives of those who have survived gunshot wounds is essential to understanding the entire scope of firearm violence. The lives of Black male firearm violence survivors are transformed in various ways due to their injuries both visible and invisible. This study explored how Black men who suffer from disabilities via a firearm negotiated their masculine identities. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 violently injured Black men participating in a hospital-based violence intervention program. Survivors expressed their thoughts on how their injuries impacted their manhood and masculinities. Three themes emerged: (1) perceptions of manhood, (2) loss of independence and burden on others, and (3) and mobility. These themes highlighted and described how their lives were impacted post-injury and characterized their psychological and physical experience of recovery. The research findings suggest the need for more qualitative studies to further explore the relationship between firearm injury, Black masculinity, and perceptions of manhood. While Black men are understudied in health research and invisible in disability research, they continue to be hyper-invisible when discussing violently acquired disabilities.

Not All Survivors Are the Same: Qualitative Assessment of Prior Violence, Risks, Recovery and Perceptions of Firearms and Violence Among Victims of Firearm Injury

Qualitative exploration into the risk, experiences, and outcomes of victims of firearm injury is imperative to informing not only further research, but prevention and intervention strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore prior violent exposures, risks, recovery, supportive services, outcomes, and views of firearms and violence among survivors of firearm assaults and unintentional injuries. Adults treated at a level 1 trauma center in Seattle, WA, for assault and unintentional firearm injuries were interviewed utilizing a semistructured instrument. Interview responses were coded to identify common themes and representative quotes are reported. Sixteen participants were interviewed. Notable themes included the following: (a) prior violent exposures were experienced by half of survivors, mostly through community violence; (b) risk for firearm injury was felt to be related to general societal violence, unsafe communities, and firearm practices; (c) important aspects of recovery included family/social support, mental health care and financial support services; (d) notable outcomes included psychological problems such as PTSD and anxiety, changes in relationships, and developing a new sense of purpose or mission in life; (e) generally negative views toward firearms, supporting restricted access and firearm safety practices; (f) acknowledgement of the complexity of firearm violence in society with prevention geared toward equitable education, economic opportunities and safety net programs to reduce community violence; and (g) disappointment in the criminal justice system. These findings demonstrate the varied experiences, needs, and outcomes after injury, but highlight the significance of community and societal violence, and need for improved mental health services. Integration of mental health services and victim assistance programs into trauma centers and hospital-based violence intervention programs is imperative for all survivors. Encouraging survivors to engage in new aspirations after injury can be empowering, and there is an unmet need for victim support and advocacy within the criminal justice system.

Assessment of Reasons for Ownership and Attitudes About Policies Among Firearm Owners With and Without Children

IMPORTANCE

Given the dangers that firearms in the home pose to children, it is critical to engage parents in effective firearm safety counseling. This requires a broader understanding of how the presence of children in the home is associated with motivations surrounding gun ownership.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of having children in the home and gun owners' attitudes and beliefs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional survey study analyzed data from the National Lawful Use of Guns Survey conducted in 2019. A representative sample of 3698 adult gun owners nationwide were randomly invited to participate, with a 56.5% survey response rate. Survey responses were weighted to account for survey nonresponse and selection bias, and comparison groups were matched by age. Statistical analysis was performed in 2020.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Reasons for gun ownership, symbolic meaning of guns, and attitudes toward gun policies.

RESULTS

Of the 2086 respondents, 383 (18.4%) had children in the home, 68.7% (95% CI, 66.4%-71.0%) were male, 8.2% (95% CI, 6.8%-9.7%) were Black, 76.3% (95% CI, 73.8%-78.6%) were White, 79.4% (95% CI, 77.5%-81.2%) were living in metropolitan areas, 51.3% (95% CI, 48.9%-53.8%) identified as Republican; 34.7% (95% CI, 32.6%-36.9%) were aged 60 years or older. Despite the majority of respondents feeling safe in their local communities (respondents with children: 93.4% [95% CI,: 89.3%-96.0%]; without children: 88.9% [95% CI, 87.0%- 90.6%]), 92.3% (95% CI, 87.0%-95.6%) of respondents with children stated the primary reason for gun ownership was to protect their family, compared with 68.6% (95% CI, 65.2%-71.8%) of respondents without children. On logistic regression analysis, having children in the home remained an independent factor associated with reasons for gun ownership. Gun owners with children were more likely than those without children to feel that guns make them feel more valuable to their family (23.5% [95% CI, 18.9%-28.8%] vs 17.0% [95% CI, 15.0%-19.2%]). Among those with children, 35.2% (95% CI, 30.0%-40.8%) believed gun laws should be more strict compared with 40.7% (95% CI, 38.1%- 43.3%) of those without children.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that acknowledging parental motivations for gun ownership is a pivotal component of educational efforts toward firearm injury prevention. These findings can guide clinicians to engage in effective individual counseling and community level efforts to reduce pediatric gun injuries.

A Prospective US National Trauma Center Study of Firearm Injury Survivors Weapon Carriage and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographic, injury-related, and mental health characteristics of firearm injury patients and trace firearm weapon carriage and PTSD symptoms over the year after injury.

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Based on the increasing incidence of firearm injury and need for novel injury prevention strategies, hospital-based violence intervention programs are being implemented in US trauma centers. There is limited data on the long-term outcomes and risk behaviors of firearm injury survivors to guide this work.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a pragmatic 25-trauma center randomized trial (N = 635). Baseline characteristics of firearm-injured patients (N = 128) were compared with other trauma patients. Mixed model regression was used to identify risk factors for postinjury firearm weapon carriage and PTSD symptoms.

RESULTS

Firearm injury patients were younger and more likely to be black, male and of lower socioeconomic status, and more likely to carry a firearm in the year before injury. Relative to preinjury, there was a significant drop in firearm weapon carriage at 3- and 6-months postinjury, followed by a return to preinjury levels at 12-months. Firearm injury was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of postinjury firearm weapon carriage [relative risk = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (1.34, 3.22), P < 0.01] and higher PTSD symptom levels [Beta = 3.82, 95% confidence interval (1.29, 6.35), P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

Firearm injury survivors are at risk for firearm carriage and high PTSD symptom levels postinjury. The significant decrease in the high-risk behavior of firearm weapon carriage at 3-6 months postinjury suggests that there is an important postinjury "teachable moment" that should be targeted with preventive interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02655354.

Empowering the affected: Informing community-based solutions through interviews with survivors of interpersonal firearm violence-Perspectives of survivors of firearm injuries

BACKGROUND

Firearm violence remains epidemic in the United States, with interpersonal gun violence leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Interpersonal violence has strong associations with social determinants of health, and community-specific solutions are needed to address root causes. We hypothesized that open-ended interviews with survivors of interpersonal firearm violence would identify themes in individual and community-level factors that contribute to ongoing violence.

METHODS

Between July 2017 and November 2019, we performed a mixed-methods study in which qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from survivors of interpersonal firearm violence admitted to our urban level I trauma center. Qualitative data were obtained through semistructured, open-ended interviews with survivors. Quantitative data were obtained via survey responses provided to these same individuals. Qualitative and quantitative data were then used to triangulate and strengthen results.

RESULTS

During the study period, 51 survivors were enrolled in the study. The most common cause of firearm violence reported by survivors was increased gang and drug activity (n = 40, 78%). The most common solution expressed was to reduce drug and gang lifestyle by offering jobs and educational opportunities to afflicted communities to improve opportunities (n = 35, 69%). Nearly half of the survivors (n = 23, 45%) believe that firearm violence should be dealt with by the affected community itself, and another group of survivors believe that it should be through partnership between the community and trauma centers (n = 19, 37%).

CONCLUSION

Interviews with survivors of firearm violence at our urban level I trauma center suggest that drug and gang lifestyle perpetuate ongoing violence and that this would best be overcome by improving access to quality education and job opportunities. To address endemic firearm violence in their communities, trauma centers should identify opportunities to partner in developing programs that provide improved education, job access, and conflict mediation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological, level I.

Psychiatric Sequelae Among Community Social Service Agency Staff 1 Year After a Mass Shooting

This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of mental health disorders and substance use among professional staff members at community social service agencies 1 year after a mass shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Firearm-related experiences and perceptions among United States male veterans: A qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Male veterans ages 55-74 comprise a disproportionate number of suicide deaths among United States veterans, for whom a majority of suicides are firearm-related. Little is known about the firearm-related experiences and beliefs of veterans, which could be informative for firearm-related lethal means safety interventions. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify themes relevant to developing such interventions among older male veterans.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with seventeen United States male veterans, ages 50-70, who were eligible to receive Veterans Health Administration services, and were current or former firearm owners or users. Transcripts were analyzed via thematic analysis using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: 1) Firearm experiences were usually facilitated by male family members and occurred at an early age; 2) Safety lessons during early firearm encounters focused on preventing unintentional injuries through safe firearm handling and using "common sense;" 3) Firearms serve an important social function across veterans' lifespans (e.g., hunting with friends); 4) Veterans perceive firearms as useful for protection; 5) Veterans believe that not everyone should have access to firearms, and some described scenarios in which they acted to limit others' access during unsafe situations; and 6) Veterans have preferences for who is involved in firearm safety discussions.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified themes relevant to developing firearm-specific lethal means safety interventions among older male veterans. Findings suggest potential obstacles (e.g., sociocultural value of firearms) to affecting changes in firearm behaviors, and factors that could potentially facilitate interventions (e.g., family involvement). Consideration of these findings may be important for developing personalized, effective interventions for this population.

Long-term Functional, Psychological, Emotional, and Social Outcomes in Survivors of Firearm Injuries

Importance

The outcomes of firearm injuries in the United States are devastating. Although firearm mortality and costs have been investigated, the long-term outcomes after surviving a gunshot wound (GSW) remain unstudied.

Objective

To determine the long-term functional, psychological, emotional, and social outcomes among survivors of firearm injuries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study assessed patient-reported outcomes among GSW survivors from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2017, at a single urban level I trauma center. Attempts were made to contact all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) discharged alive during the study period. A total of 3088 patients were identified; 516 (16.7%) who died during hospitalization and 45 (1.5%) who died after discharge were excluded. Telephone contact was made with 263 (10.4%) of the remaining patients, and 80 (30.4%) declined study participation. The final study sample consisted of 183 participants. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2018, through June 20, 2019.

Exposures

A GSW sustained from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2017.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Scores on 8 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments (Global Physical Health, Global Mental Health, Physical Function, Emotional Support, Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities, Pain Intensity, Alcohol Use, and Severity of Substance Use) and the Primary Care PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) Screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

Results

Of the 263 patients who survived a GSW and were contacted, 183 (69.6%) participated. Participants were more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared with those who declined (150 [82.0%] vs 54 [67.5%]; P = .01). Participants had a median time from GSW of 5.9 years (range, 4.7-8.1 years) and were primarily young (median age, 27 years [range, 21-36 years]), black (168 [91.8%]), male (169 [92.3%]), and employed before GSW (pre-GSW, 139 [76.0%]; post-GSW, 113 [62.1%]; decrease, 14.3%; P = .004). Combined alcohol and substance use increased by 13.2% (pre-GSW use, 56 [30.8%]; post-GSW use, 80 [44.0%]). Participants had mean (SD) scores below population norms (50 [10]) for Global Physical Health (45 [11]; P < .001), Global Mental Health (48 [11]; P = .03), and Physical Function (45 [12]; P < .001) PROMIS metrics. Eighty-nine participants (48.6%) had a positive screen for probable PTSD. Patients who required intensive care unit admission (n = 64) had worse mean (SD) Physical Function scores (42 [13] vs 46 [11]; P = .045) than those not requiring the intensive care unit. Survivors no more than 5 years after injury had greater PTSD risk (38 of 63 [60.3%] vs 51 of 119 [42.9%]; P = .03) but better mean (SD) Global Physical Health scores (47 [11] vs 43 [11]; P = .04) than those more than 5 years after injury.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study's results suggest that the lasting effects of firearm injury reach far beyond mortality and economic burden. Survivors of GSWs may have negative outcomes for years after injury. These findings suggest that early identification and initiation of long-term longitudinal care is paramount.

What are the long-term consequences of youth exposure to firearm injury, and how do we prevent them? A scoping review

The long-term consequences of exposure to firearm injury-including suicide, assault, and mass shootings-on children's mental and physical health is unknown. Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of four databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, and CJ abstract) between January 1, 1985 and April 2, 2018 for articles describing long-term outcomes of child or adolescent firearm injury exposure (n = 3582). Among included studies (n = 31), most used retrospective cohorts or cross-sectional studies to describe the correlation between firearm injury and post-traumatic stress. A disproportionate number of studies examined the effect of mass shootings, although few of these studies were conducted in the United States and none described the impact of social media. Despite methodologic limitations, youth firearm injury exposure is clearly linked to high rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms and high rates of future injury. Evidence is lacking on best practices for prevention of mental health and behavioral sequelae among youth exposed to firearm injury. Future research should use rigorous methods to identify prevalence, correlates, and intervention strategies for these at-risk youth.

Firearm-related behaviors following firearm injury: changes in ownership, carrying and storage

Individuals who sustain nonfatal gunshot wound (GSW) injuries are at substantially increased risk of subsequent firearm injury. There is a dearth of literature examining what, if any, firearm-related behavior changes occur among adults as a result of GSW injuries. Using survey data on firearm-related behaviors from an ongoing randomized controlled trial, we sought to describe changes in reported firearm-related behaviors among GSW patients following their injury. Our results suggest that patients with a GSW, especially firearm owners, may change their firearm-related behaviors following injury, some by increasing firearm-related safety and others by increasing frequency of behaviors that may place them at increased risk of subsequent injury. This study highlights the need for further examination of firearm-related behavior change among GSW patients and development of interventions to promote firearm safety among this population.

Characteristics of Veteran and Civilian Suicide Decedents: A Sex-Stratified Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have examined characteristics distinguishing Veteran and civilian suicide decedents. An understanding of unique risk factors for Veteran suicide is critical to develop effective preventive interventions. This is particularly imperative for female Veterans, who have near double the suicide mortality rate of same-aged female civilians. The objectives of this study were to examine whether Veteran and civilian suicide decedents differed on risk factors and suicide-event characteristics, and to determine whether predictors changed based on sex.

METHODS

Data from 116,515 suicides collected by the National Violent Death Reporting System in 27 states between 2003 and 2015 were analyzed in 2018 in sex-stratified analyses. Logistic regression models examined population differences in risk factors and suicide-event characteristics.

RESULTS

Relative to male civilians, male Veterans were more likely to have a contributing physical health problem (AOR=1.10, 95% CI=1.06, 1.14) and to use a firearm for their suicide (AOR=1.41, 95% CI=1.36, 1.47); they were less likely to have substance use problems (AOR=0.70, 95% CI=0.66, 0.75), depressed mood (AOR=0.93, 95% CI=0.90, 0.97), or financial problems (AOR=0.91, 95% CI=0.86, 0.97). Female Veterans were more likely to use a firearm for their suicide (AOR=1.39, 95% CI=1.19, 1.63) relative to female civilians.

CONCLUSIONS

Firearm use as a suicide method was a key distinguishing feature of Veteran suicide. Means restriction and firearm safety are pertinent to preventing Veteran suicide. Given low utilization of mental health care and frequent presence of physical health problems in this population, safe storage messages may have a greater preventive impact if delivered in primary care or other nonpsychiatric settings.

Post-Discharge Needs of Victims of Gun Violence in Chicago: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to understand the post-discharge needs of violently injured patients and their families to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of gun violence. We recruited 10 patients from the trauma registry of a Midwestern university hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center (L1TC). After obtaining the informed consent, semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted. Discussions focused on post-discharge needs and resources to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation process, and aid in community reintegration. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed thematically in stages of open, axial, and selective coding methods. Seven main themes were identified at the hospital and community level. These included the following: (a) feeling stigmatized by hospital personnel, (b) patient-provider communication, (c) feeling discharged too soon, (d) issues in obtaining medicines, (e) challenges with Chicago Police Department, (f) transportation to trauma center for follow-up care, and (g) concerns with returning back to the community. Patients reported the need for mental health counseling for themselves and their family, more follow-up, and help with financial paperwork among others. For the victims of gun violence, there exists a chasm between injury and care, and an even wider one between care and rehabilitation. The findings can inform health care, social workers, and rehabilitation professionals in their efforts to better address the myriad of unmet needs pre- and post-discharge. For trauma centers, the identified needs provide a template for developing an individualized- and community-centered resource pathway to improve outcomes and reduce suffering for this particularly vulnerable subset of patients.

The Difference Between Living and Dying: Victim Characteristics and Motive Among Nonfatal Shootings and Gun Homicides

Using both official and unofficial data sources, researchers examined nonfatal (n = 617) and fatal shooting (n = 159) victim characteristics over an 18-month period in Indianapolis. This research revealed that the typical shooting victim was male, non-White, almost 29 years old, had been arrested prior to inclusion in this study, and had been shot more than once. Interestingly, this research supports the notion that nonfatal shooting and homicide victims are different, especially as they relate to victim age, gunshot wound severity, and shooting motive. It highlights the need for better gun violence data collection beyond what currently exists. Striving for improved, more comprehensive cross-sector data collection has implications beyond just police policy and practice to include public health and prevention efforts.

Narcissistic Symptoms in German School Shooters

School shooters are often described as narcissistic, but empirical evidence is scant. To provide more reliable and detailed information, we conducted an exploratory study, analyzing police investigation files on seven school shootings in Germany, looking for symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) in witnesses' and offenders' reports and expert psychological evaluations. Three out of four offenders who had been treated for mental disorders prior to the offenses displayed detached symptoms of narcissism, but none was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Of the other three, two displayed narcissistic traits. In one case, the number of symptoms would have justified a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. Offenders showed low and high self-esteem and a range of other mental disorders. Thus, narcissism is not a common characteristic of school shooters, but possibly more frequent than in the general population. This should be considered in developing adequate preventive and intervention measures.