The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67246

Katherine A. Vittes, MPH, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Violence Prevention Research Group, 650 C.E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 310-825-1083, kavittes@ucla.edu and Susan B. Sorenson, PhD, School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Dept, University of California Los Angeles, Box 951772, Violence Prevention Research Group, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772.

Purpose To describe patterns of hunting among California adolescents. Methods The California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the nation's largest health survey and the first to gather substantial health-related data at state and local levels, included a community sample of 5,801 12-17 year olds. A series of questions about gun possession and experience were asked, including questions regarding use of firearms for hunting and target shooting. Frequencies, chi-squares, and regression analyses were employed. Results About one-fifth (22.4%) of California adolescents report that they have used a gun for hunting or target shooting. Hunting is more common among boys, Whites, and those residing in rural locales. Greater than one in ten (12.4%) adolescents who report that they have gone hunting or target shooting have their own long gun (rifle or shotgun). About 3.5% of the adolescent hunters (vs. 0.2% of the non-hunters) have their own handgun. Conclusions and implications Hunting among adolescents appears to be linked to a few basic demographic characteristics. Adolescent hunters are more likely live in a home with a gun and have their own gun than non-hunters. About one-fifth of unintentional firearm deaths in the U.S. occur among 10-19 year olds. Adolescents who hunt or target shoot are at significant risk of gunshot injuries. These findings have implications for preventing firearm injuries among adolescents who use firearms for legitimate purposes.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• 3. Identify basic characteristics of adolescent hunters and target shooters
  6. Describe the legitimate use of firearms among adolescents
  9. Articulate the implications of legitimate firearm use for preventing unintentional firearm injuries

Keywords: Adolescents, Firearms

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.