A new study led by Tameka L. Gillum, associate professor of community health at the University of New Mexico, has examined the multilevel society factors that contribute to disparities in gun violence among Black communities.
Dr. Gillum and her co-authors utilized a socio-ecological model to help understand how different aspects of society (individual, relationship, community, and societal) influence a person’s experiences, behaviors, and health outcomes. Their analysis identified several risk factors across all levels of their research model. Among Black Americans, the authors found persistent barriers to support-services such as appropriate medical care and reliable transportation, as well as intrusive policing and chronic exposure to violence in their communities.
The authors believe their findings provide evidence that gun violence in Black communities is influenced by more than just individual behavior, further highlighting a need for multilevel interventions that target racial disparities in both local communities and society at large.
Dr. Gillum has over two decades of experience studying intimate partner violence, health disparities, social determinants of health, and gun violence. She received her Ph.D. in community psychology from Michigan State University.
