Risk Predictors Associated with Firearm Use: A Scope Review

Abstract

The use of firearms is a complex issue which involves issues related to mental health and public policies. This scoping review aimed to analyze individual and social risk predictors for the use of firearms. Based on the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews - PRISMA-ScR, six databases were consulted and 605 studies, retrieved. After screening, 16 empirical studies were selected for this review. Individual predictors included psychiatric diagnosis, abusive use of alcohol, high anxiety, and use of psychiatric medication; whereas social ones, access to firearms, absence of laws restricting the possession of weapons, and war experiences. We find the need for further research on the subject, especially by Brazilian science, since 87.5% of the studies this review screened came from the United States.