Understanding Social Ecological Factors of Firearm Safety Engagement Among Latino(a/e/x) and Hispanic Adults Near Albuquerque, New Mexico: a Concurrent Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundDisparities in injury and death indicate that Latinos and Hispanics are disproportionately affected by firearm violence. Understanding the factors that impact Latino and Hispanic engagement with firearm safety is integral to developing nuanced interventions, yet these factors remain largely understudied. This study explores the social ecological factors related to firearm safety engagement among Latino and Hispanic adults residing in New Mexico. MethodsThe study used a convergent mixed-methods design with quantitative and qualitative components. Data were collected from a predominantly Latino-Hispanic community experiencing high rates of firearm violence near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Quantitative data (n=303) were collected using a community-based survey with a non-random sample on firearm safety engagement, collective efficacy, and sociodemographic characteristics. Qualitative data (n=18) included semi-structured interviews from a subset of the survey population who expressed interest in participating. Quantitative data was used to explore descriptive statistics and correlations between reported levels of collective efficacy and firearm safety engagement. Qualitative data were used to explore the firearm safety experiences of Latino and Hispanic participants. AnalysesMultivariate regression analyses examined associations between collective efficacy (exposure) and engagement with firearm safety (outcome). I also explored associations across key domains: collective efficacy, neighborhood characteristics, individual characteristics, and sociodemographic factors. Interviews were analyzed using framework analysis to generate a cohesive thematic structure informed by a social ecological model. The results from the quantitative and qualitative data were then integrated to develop a robust understanding of social ecological factors related to firearm safety engagement using a mixed methods joint display. ResultsThere were 303 survey participants (40.6% male; 55.1% female; 4.3% other gender identity) and 18 interview participants in this study. 57.1% of survey participants reported engaging with at least one firearm safety practice or initiative. Results from multivariate regression indicated that higher collective efficacy ({beta} = 0.082, p = 0.002), higher informal social control ({beta} = 0.174, p = 0.001), stronger endorsement of gun safety principles ({beta} = 0.079, p < 0.001), being married vs. unmarried ({beta} = -0.334, p < 0.001), speaking Spanish in the home vs. English ({beta} = 1.048, p < 0.001), and not owning a gun ({beta} = - 0.638, p = 0.006) were significantly and positively associated with firearm safety engagement. Themes from the qualitative data included barriers (insecure environment; lack of meaningful engagement) and facilitators (location-specific contributors to safety; collective identity and pride) to firearm safety engagement, organized by social ecological domain. Mixed methods findings indicate factors associated with participants individual firearm safety engagement, while providing insights into the perceived barriers and facilitators across social ecological domains. DiscussionFindings from this mixed-methods study suggest that processes of empowerment and collective efficacy may contribute to greater firearm safety engagement within Latino and Hispanic communities. Findings expand injury prevention research by exploring the factors influencing firearm safety engagement among a marginalized and hard-to-reach population who have disproportionate experiences with firearm victimization, perpetration, and injury. ConclusionThis study offers unique methodological approaches by using concurrent mixed methods and collecting complementary data sources to understand firearm safety engagement among Latinos and Hispanics. Findings highlight the need for culturally specific and community-engaged interventions that address social ecological disparities to strengthen safety practices and reduce firearm-related harms.