Community gun violence and functional disability: An ecological analysis among men in four U.S. cities

Abstract

This study uses data on neighborhoods in four U.S. cities over five years to examine the relationship between fatal and non-fatal gun violence and rates of functional disability among men. Descriptive analyses indicate significant disparities in shooting rates across neighborhoods and heightened associated disability in high shooting communities. Multivariate results show that rates of non-fatal shootings correspond to greater functional disability among young men, but not older men. Fatal gun violence is not associated with increased community disability. The findings suggest that improvements in local gun violence prevention may serve to address broader community disparities in health and well-being.

Keywords: Community health; Functional disability; Gun violence; Homicide; Neighborhoods.