Utility of indices of gun availability in the community

Author: Shenassa, Edmond D. / Doskalakis, Constantine / Buka, Stephen L.
Publication: Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Gun Carrying Homicide Local Suicide Supply
Keywords: CHICAGO (Ill.) FIREARMS & crime FIREARMS accidents HOMICIDE Suicide
Bibliographic information +

The study used data from 837 participants in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods between the ages of 17 and 22, residing in 170 different “neighborhood clusters.” Data on suicides and homicides were obtained fro the Chicago Department of Health. A 10% change in the proportion of homicides committed by a gun in a neighborhood was associated with a 20% increase in both the odds of reported gun access and reported gun carrying. The proportion of firearm suicides was not associated with either of those self reported measures.