Advisor(s)
Christy Harris Lemak
Committee Member(s)
Elizabeth Gloyd
Kristine Ria Hearld
Leslie Wynn Hayes
School
School of Health Professions
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Health Professions
Date of Award
1-6-2025
Degree Name by School
Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) School of Health Professions
Abstract
This thesis evaluates the financial strain of pediatric firearm injuries on children’s hospitals, with a focus on the moderating effects of geographic setting and state firearm legislation. The purpose of the research is to investigate how the stringency of state firearm laws influences the financial impact of such injuries and to examine how the association between gun law stringency and pediatric injuries differs between rural and urban hospital settings. The study employs a multi-level regression analysis, utilizing data from children’s hospitals across different geographic locations. The results provide partial support for the hypotheses. Contrary to expectations, pediatric firearm injuries did not predict higher hospital costs compared to other trauma causes after controlling for hospital location and trauma level. Stricter state firearm laws were associated with lower hospital costs, particularly in urban hospitals, suggesting that regulatory measures are critical in reducing injury severity and financial strain. Lastly, while stricter firearm laws correlated with lower pediatric firearm injury volumes, the effect was more pronounced in urban hospitals, contrary to the expectation of a stronger impact in rural areas. These findings offer important insights for hospital administrators and policymakers in balancing healthcare resources and mitigating the economic effects of firearm-related pediatric trauma. Keywords: Financial strain, pediatric firearm injury, urban hospitals, state firearm legislation, rural hospitals.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Reed, Perry Ann, "Evaluating The Financial Strain Of Pediatric Firearm Injuries On Children’S Hospitals: The Moderating Effects Of State Firearm Legislation And Geographic Setting" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7285.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7285
