Risk factors for weapons possession among adolescents: an integrative review

Abstract

This research was to identify the risk factors related to weapons possession among adolescents. An integrative literature review was conducted, searching through online access to National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (PubMed), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS). Nineteen papers were selected between the years 2011 and 2022, and according to the selection, it was found that the prevalence of weapon possession in males was significantly higher, as well as in the age group above 15 years old. Most studies have found an association between teenage weapons possession and prior exposure to some form of violence. The risk factors were related to violence, social inequality, drug use, lack of parental involvement, social influence and mental disorders in adolescents who possess weapons.