Understanding Risk Factors for Recurrent Violent Injury Among Young African-American Men

This study examined factors contributing to recurrent violent injury/trauma recidivism among black men.  Data were collected in Baltimore, MD in 2011 through a survey including demographic, employment, educational and exposure to violence questions.  Among 191 black males hospitalized for either a shooting, stabbing, or beating, 85 percent had previously spent time in a detention facility, 58% had experienced prior hospitalizations as a result of physical harm, and 41% had reported being involved in a fight or using a weapon in the past year.  For those who experienced at least 2 or more hospitalizations for violent injury (trauma recidivists, n = 154), the overall effect of being in a fight or using a weapon in the past year, viewing disrespect as a factor that led to hospitalization, and ever spending time in a detention facility collectively predicted trauma recidivism for this group of men.  Implications focus on the importance of intervention and prevention efforts targeted toward patients who experience trauma recidivism.