The Behavioral Health Harms of Youth Exposure to Gun Violence: A Rhode Island Example.

BACKGROUND

Youth exposure to gun violence is increasing and we must better understand its impact on mental health and substance use disorders in young adults.

METHODS

The 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey recruited n=1,008 young adults. Multivariable logistic regressions were used for mental illness and substance use disorder outcomes on exposure to gun violence in childhood while controlling for sexual and gender identity, race/ethnicity, age, and social ladder.

RESULTS

Exposure to gun violence in childhood is highly prevalent (24.7%) and associated with higher odds of depression (AOR: 1.59 [95%CI: 1.16, 2.19]), suicide ideation (AOR: 2.13 [95%CI: 1.41, 3.22]), alcohol use disorder (AOR: 2.98 [95%CI: 1.34, 6.54], and cannabis use disorder (AOR: 1.87 [95%CI: 1.22, 2.88], but not anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Efforts to reduce adolescent exposure to gun violence must be comprehensive, addressing all levels from policy and legislation to social and community- based interventions.