217015 Community and Gangs: Adolescent Perceptions of Gangs and Gang Violence in Their Community

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Sarah E. Kelly, RN, PhD , School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Background: Many communities in the United States are facing escalating gang membership and violence. According to the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety (2008), the number of gangs in this state has increased by 43% since 2000. Gang membership has grown from 5,068 in 1999 to 14,593 in 2007, representing 550 different gangs. The purpose of this study is to explore adolescents' perceptions of gangs and gang violence. The specific aims of this study are to describe adolescent perceptions of gangs and gang violence and the impact gangs and gang violence have on the community. Method: A qualitative method research design was used to explore adolescents' perceptions of gangs and gang violence. Adolescents were invited to participate in focus group meetings at local community centers in Greensboro, NC. Results: Twenty four adolescents participated in this study. Analysis will be completed and presented. Conclusion: Social justice spans populations that include gangs in communities. Therefore, research on adolescents' perceptions of gangs and gang violence is timely.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related nursing
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session the audience will be able to describe the various influences that gangs have on adolescents' view of their community

Keywords: Adolescents, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have conducted similiar research in this area and have had training in this area
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4063.0: Community Experiences with Social Justice Issues