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Firearm Violence in the African American Community: African American Legislators’ Perceptions of Firearm Violence Prevention Legislation

Payton, Erica D
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1404745086

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Health Education.
Introduction: African Americans are disproportionately impacted by firearm injuries and death. For example, it is the leading cause of death for young African American males. Much of the firearm violence policy literature has focused on firearm violence prevention policies and programs for the general population. These studies have focused on the banning and prohibition of firearms, especially among the mentally ill or those who have otherwise been deemed unfit to carry a firearm. Fewer studies have focused on racial/ethnic minority populations that are adversely and disproportionately impacted by firearm violence. In addition to the creation of culturally-tailored firearm violence prevention programs, legislation that is passed to specifically address firearm violence disparities may also be an effective strategy to reduce this racial/ethnic disparity. Purpose: Organizations such as the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators have historically advocated for policies and legislation that promote the health and overall well-being of African Americans. Thus the purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on African American legislators’ perceptions regarding firearm violence in the African American community. Methods: A cross-sectional study of African American legislators (n=612) was conducted to investigate the research questions. Of the 612 questionnaires mailed, 12 were not deliverable, and 170 were returned. A response rate of 28% was sufficient based on a power analysis. Utilizing a 3 wave mailing process, African American legislators were invited to participate in the study. In addition to the survey, participants received a personalized signed cover letter and a self-addressed return envelope with paid postage. Results: The majority (88%) of African American legislators perceived firearm violence to be very serious among African Americans. Few (10%) African American legislators perceived that addressing legislative issues would be an effective strategy in reducing firearm violence among African Americans. The majority (72%) of African American legislators perceived the most effective strategy to reducing firearm violence in the African American community should focus on addressing societal issues (e.g. crime and poverty).After adjusting for the number of perceived barriers, the number of perceived benefits was a significant predictor of African American legislators perceived effectiveness of firearm violence prevention legislation for 8 of the 24 potential firearm violence prevention legislative bills. Conclusions: African American legislators are respected opinion leaders in most African American communities. As leaders with legislative influence, African American legislators could be key advocates of firearm violence prevention policies aimed at reducing firearm violence disparities. Educating African American legislators on the benefits of firearm violence prevention legislation is one strategy towards increasing their likelihood to advocate for firearm violence prevention legislation at the state and federal level.
Amy Thompson, PhD, CHES (Committee Chair)
James Price, PhD, MPH (Committee Member)
Jiunn-Jye Sheu, MSPH, PhD, MCHES (Committee Member)
Joseph Dake, PhD, MPH (Committee Member)
African Americans; Health Education; Public Health; Public Health Education
African Americans, firearm violence, gun violence, legislation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Payton, E. D. (2014). Firearm Violence in the African American Community: African American Legislators’ Perceptions of Firearm Violence Prevention Legislation [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1404745086

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Payton, Erica. Firearm Violence in the African American Community: African American Legislators’ Perceptions of Firearm Violence Prevention Legislation. 2014. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1404745086.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Payton, Erica. "Firearm Violence in the African American Community: African American Legislators’ Perceptions of Firearm Violence Prevention Legislation." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1404745086

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.