Citation

Kunkel P, Thomas CJ, Seguin C, Dereczyk D, Rajda C, Brandt MM. J. Trauma 2010; 68(2): 289-293.

Affiliation

Division of Acute Care Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and Department of Surgery Administrative Office, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/TA.0b013e3181cb9807

PMID

20154539

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Youth violence is a significant problem in the United States with high recidivism rates. Considering these high recidivism rates in youths after an initial injury, we hypothesized a hospital-based violence prevention program aimed at increasing awareness, empowering positive conflict resolution, and promoting future vocational goals would benefit at-risk youth before they are injured. METHODS:: A feasibility study was completed on our Violence and Injury Prevention (VIP) tour program at our urban Level I trauma center. Participants were at-risk youth, aged 11 years to 17 years. Anonymous data were collected using an Audience Response System. RESULTS:: One hundred eighty-five students participated from January 2007 to August 2008. Sixty-three percent were 6th to 8th graders, 70% were boys. Seventy-nine percent stated that they knew someone who had been injured or killed because of violence, with significantly more boys than girls (p = 0.05). More boys than girls stated that they have access to a gun (p < 0.05). Almost 60% of the participants stated that they had engaged in violence within the past 6 months, with no difference by gender (p = 0.085). Of the respondents, 84.2% reported an increase in their awareness on the consequences of violence. This was more significant for girls than boys (p < 0.05). Of the participants, 86.3% reported increased understanding of hospital care for a trauma patient. Participants stated that they would recommend VIP to others. CONCLUSION:: VIP educated local urban youth about violence and increased their awareness of the injuries resulting from violence. In addition, at-risk youths were exposed to career opportunities in health care.

Language: en