Actively Recruiting
Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth: A Hospital-based Prevention Strategy
Led by Virginia Commonwealth University · Updated on 2026-02-04
300
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
Virginia Commonwealth University
Lead Sponsor
E
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a hospital-based violence intervention called Bridging the Gap to see if it helps reduce youth violence among violently injured young people aged 10 to 17 years. The study also aims to understand if this intervention impacts behaviors like firearm use, drug use, aggression, risky actions, and rates of violent re-injury. The goal is to learn how effective the intervention is in improving outcomes for youth after violent injury. Participants are divided into two groups randomly. One group receives the Bridging the Gap program, which includes a brief violence prevention intervention during their hospital stay and three months of community case management services with their families after release. This program also includes a firearm counseling component focused on understanding risks and promoting firearm safety. The other group receives treatment as usual, which consists of a brief violence awareness brochure while in the hospital. Participation lasts up to six months. During the study, researchers will measure firearm-related violence, carrying behaviors, beliefs, re-injury, and mortality at six months. About 300 youth patients and 300 adult caregivers will take part. The study involves assessments and monitoring over six months to track these outcomes and understand the intervention's impact on youth violence and related behaviors.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth: A Hospital-based Prevention Strategy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Youth aged 10 to 17 years and adult caregivers aged 18 years and older
- Receiving hospital treatment for a violence-related injury or referred to Bridging the Gap services
- English speaking
- Living within the Bridging the Gap service area (Richmond City and neighboring counties)
You will not qualify if you...
- Youth younger than 10 years
- Youth older than 18 years
- Prisoners
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - During hospital stay
Participants randomized to the Bridging the Gap group receive a hospital-based violence prevention program including a brief violence intervention and firearm safety counseling.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 months
Participants in the Bridging the Gap group receive 3 months of community case management and firearm counseling services after hospital discharge.
Regular visits over 3 months
Duration - During hospital stay
Participants randomized to the Treatment as Usual group receive standard hospital care, including a brief violence awareness brochure during their hospital stay.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 6 months
All participants are monitored for outcomes related to firearm violence and related behaviors for up to 6 months after enrollment.
Periodic follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23298
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nicholas Thomson
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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