The COVID-19 pandemic and associated rise in pediatric firearm injuries: A multi-institutional study

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric firearm injuries in Colorado

“…Recent mass school shootings, an emerging body of firearm research, and ongoing media and political attention highlight the devastating burden of pediatric firearm violence in the U.S. As of 2019, firearm injuries represent the leading cause of child and adolescent death both in Colorado and across the country [1] , [2] , [3] . With pediatric firearm injuries already surging, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in new levels of community stress, financial difficulties, and a shift in societal norms [5] . While studies evaluating the association of the COVID-19 pandemic on national firearm injuries in adults and children have been published, to our knowledge, the impact of the pandemic on pediatric firearm injuries in Colorado has yet to be reported [ [5] , [6] , [17] , [18] ].…”

“…Similar to national trends, Colorado has experienced increases in annual pediatric firearm injuries as well as several tragic mass shootings over the past two decades [ 3 , 4 ]. In March 2020, following the rapid spread of the Sars-CoV2 (Covid-19) virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic leading to unprecedented alterations in daily life for families worldwide [5] .…”

“…In the initial months of the pandemic, prior to the development and distribution of vaccines, social distancing was the primary method of curbing virus spread [5] . While effective in curtailing disease transmission, school and recreational facility closures, in addition to stay-at-home mandates, resulted in many children being confined at home [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…While effective in curtailing disease transmission, school and recreational facility closures, in addition to stay-at-home mandates, resulted in many children being confined at home [ 6 , 7 ]. A report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that, at one point in the pandemic, approximately 1.37 billion school-aged children worldwide were out of school [ 5 , 8 ]. Moreover, families suffered job loss leading to increased financial burden and significant strain on many communities [5] .…”

“…A report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that, at one point in the pandemic, approximately 1.37 billion school-aged children worldwide were out of school [ 5 , 8 ]. Moreover, families suffered job loss leading to increased financial burden and significant strain on many communities [5] . Recent reports have illuminated the substantial mental and physical health consequences of stay-at-home orders as well as changes to injury patterns for children following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] .…”