JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Firearms are used in approximately half of all youth suicides. Many state and federal laws include age-specific restrictions on the purchase, possession, or storage of firearms; however, the association between these laws and suicides among youth has not been carefully examined. ⋯ There is evidence that CAP laws are associated with a modest reduction in suicide rates among youth aged 14 to 17 years. As currently implemented, minimum age restrictions for the purchase and possession of firearms do not appear to reduce overall rates of suicide among youth.
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Many studies have shown a high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, viral hepatitis, drug dependence, and mental health problems among street youth. However, data on mortality among these youth are sparse. ⋯ Current heavy substance use and homelessness were factors associated with death among street youth. HIV infection was also identified as an important predictor of mortality; however, its role remains to be clarified. These findings should be taken into account when developing interventions to prevent mortality among street youth.