Correlates of weapon carrying in school among adolescents in three countries

Am J Health Behav. 2015 Jan;39(1):99-108. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.39.1.11.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the factors associated with weapon carrying in school among Czech, Russian, and US adolescents.

Methods: Logistic regression was used to analyze data drawn from the Social and Health Assessment (SAHA).

Results: Violent behavior (perpetration / victimization) was linked to adolescent weapon carrying in all countries. Substance use was associated with weapon carrying among boys in all countries. Greater parental warmth reduced the odds for weapon carrying among Czech and Russian adolescents. Associating with delinquent peers was important for weapon carrying only among US adolescents.

Conclusions: Factors associated with weapon carrying in school vary among countries although violent behavior and substance use may be associated with weapon carrying across countries.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Czech Republic / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Russia / epidemiology
  • Schools
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Violence / psychology*
  • Weapons / statistics & numerical data*