Peer-reviewed article

158 Associations Between County Level Poverty and Firearm Injuries in the State of Maryland

Tiamiyu K, Byrne J, Hoops K · 27 Apr 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The United States is experiencing an epidemic of firearm deaths and injuries. Poverty and other socioeconomic factors have been linked to firearm injuries on the national level. The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between county level poverty and firearm injuries in the State of Maryland. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This is a cross sectional study assessing fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries of all ages between 2018-2020 utilizing data from the State of Maryland’s Health Services Cost Review Commission. Our primary analysis will involve calculating injury and mortality rates to assess if fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries are associated with county-level poverty, defined as the percentage of the population living below the federal poverty line. Rates will be calculated by determining county level population within subgroups using the National Historical Geographical Information System database. We will also conduct regression analyses to adjust for confounding variables selected based on evidence from prior research. Some of these variables include age, sex, race, urbanicity, and the social vulnerability index. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: An abundance of prior research has demonstrated differences in firearm injury by age, sex, and race. Prior studies have also shown that poverty is associated with higher rates of firearm-related deaths among youth. Based on that foundational data, we anticipate that regression analyses will demonstrate that counties with higher poverty levels will have higher rates of fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries, even after controlling for other known risk factors. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings from this study will contribute to growing evidence on the role of poverty in the burden of firearm injuries and mortality. This will have policy implications regarding the allocation of public health resources and interventions aimed at reducing firearm-related injuries and deaths in Maryland.