162. Exposure to a Firearm in the Home is Strongly Associated With Latino Adolescent Violence Perpetration and Substance Use

Abstract

In 2014, the World Health Organization reported that violence continues to be a major cause of global adolescent mortality. The Pan American Health Organization also reported that violence is the leading cause of adolescent mortality in the Americas. The Institute of Medicine recently released a research priority agenda focused on reducing the threat of firearm-related violence. This study explores the association of exposure to a firearm in the home with violence perpetration, substance use, and the presence of mental health symptoms among middle and high school Latino students in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).