Predictors of weapon carrying in youth attending drop-in centers.
OBJECTIVE
To test and compare 2 predictive models of weapon carrying in youth (n = 308) recruited from 4 drop-in centers in San Diego and Imperial counties.


METHODS
Both models were based on the Behavioral Ecological Model (BEM).


RESULTS
The first and second models significantly explained 39% and 53% of the variance in weapon carrying, respectively, and both full models shared the significant predictors of being black(-), being Hispanic (-), peer modeling of weapon carrying/jail time (+), and school suspensions (+).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that the BEM offers a generalizable conceptual model that may inform prevention strategies for youth at greatest risk of weapon carrying.
Blumberg
Elaine J
EJ
Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. eblumberg@projects.sdsu.edu
Liles
Sandy
S
Kelley
Norma J
NJ
Hovell
Melbourne F
MF
Bousman
Chad A
CA
Shillington
Audrey M
AM
Ji
Ming
M
Clapp
John
J