Physical Health Challenges, Healthcare Needs, and Barriers to Care among Firearm Injury Survivors: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Objective:
Firearm injury survivors often face significant physical, mental, and logistical challenges following their injury, yet research on their healthcare needs remains limited. This mixed methods study examines health challenges, healthcare needs, and barriers to care among 107 firearm injury survivors in a small Northeastern city. The project emerged from a collaboration between university researchers and community-based violence prevention specialists. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey assessing physical health, functional disability, healthcare access, and demographic factors. A subsample of 15 survivors also participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results show that a majority of survivors experience pain, require regular medical treatment, and report functional impairments that interfere with daily life. Respondents report high levels of unmet healthcare needs, including access to affordable care, specialists, and primary providers.
Status:
Completed
Principal Investigators:
Daniel Semenza, PhD