Effects of Community Violence Exposure on Health

Abstract Background: Across the globe there is a rising level of violence in the community, which disproportionately affects those living in urban, high poverty areas. Repeat exposure to this violence can lead to adverse future health outcomes in children. Objectives: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to highlight the adverse health outcomes that stem from community violence exposure, and form a more comprehensive list of the effects it has on children and adolescents. Method: An integrated literature review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology using the computerized databases of CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Sociology Collection. The keywords used were, community violence OR neighborhood violence OR violence in the community AND exposure AND child OR children OR childhood AND SUstress. Results: Six studies were selected following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and preliminary review. The literature showed the most common adverse health outcomes due to community violence exposure were, re-experience, internal PTSD symptoms, external PTSD symptoms, headache, abdominal pain, appetite changes, and sleep disorders. Several mediators were also found to affect the type and severity of symptomatology expressed, which were; severity of trauma, proximity, age, and baseline BIS/BAS score. Conclusion: Community violence exposure leads to adverse health outcomes for children that suffer from repeat exposure. However, more research needs to be done to develop a more comprehensive screening tool for these patients. Also further research needs to focus on developing nursing interventions to help prevent exposures, or to aid patient to adapt in an appropriate way. Keywords: Community, violence, exposure, health outcome