Hospital Program to Prevent Firearm Violence in Youth Ages 10 to 17

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 interventions impact on youth violence and related behaviors.

Preventing Firearm Violence in Youth: A Hospital-based Prevention Strategy