Systematic Review: Exposure to Community Violence and Physical Health Outcomes in Youth

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the evidence for associations between exposure to community violence and physical health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Methods: A thorough search of multiple online databases and careful consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded a final 28 studies for detailed review. In addition to review of findings, studies were rated on overall quality based on study design.

Results: Seven categories of physical health outcomes emerged, including asthma/respiratory health, cardiovascular health, immune functioning, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, sleep problems, weight, and a general health category. There were mixed findings across these categories. Evidence for a positive association between community violence exposure and health problems was strongest in the cardiovascular health and sleep categories.

Conclusion: There is reason to believe that community violence exposure has an effect on some areas of physical health. Additional well-designed research that focuses on mechanisms as well as outcomes is warranted.

Keywords: adolescents; asthma; children; community violence; physical health; sleep; systematic review.