What is the role of global health professionals in relation to violence, specifically gun violence? Many researchers have explored the proximal (immediate) determinants of firearm violence, like the availability of guns. In a recent study, universal background check laws and permit requirement laws were associated with lower homicide rates among both white and black populations (Knopov et al., 2019). But the causes of gun violence go deeper than gun ownership. For example, Golding and Fitzgerald (2019) have shown that early abuse and neglect, father absence, and exposure to family and neighborhood violence exacerbate boys’ risk for violent behavior. There is multidisciplinary literature on the deeper social and systemic determinants of firearm violence.
As public health professionals, our task is to explore and prevent disease, disability, and premature death, but violence is widely considered outside the orbit of normal public health practice—except when it comes to the huge and expensive task of helping the victims. In this Assignment, you will address the double question: Is firearm violence a public health issue, and should we apply the tools of public health research and interventions to preventing it?
TO PREPARE
Review the module Learning Resources.
Review Violence and Global Health provided in the Learning Resources.
Using the Walden Library, find peer-reviewed articles on firearm violence as a public health issue.
Download the assessment template provided in the Learning Resources to complete your Assignment.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Use the assessment template provided in the Learning Resources to complete your Module 5 Assignment.
2–3 pages (excluding title page and references)
Analyze how firearm violence should be approached as a public health issue.
Explain what steps you would expect to see taken if a public health approach to firearm violence was adopted.
Analyze how these steps may be implemented and what community support would be needed. When possible, use examples to support your opinions.
Support your response with at least three scholarly resources and properly cite/reference using APA 7th edition.
