Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41513048›Full record

ArticlePreventive medicine2026

A scoping review of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in U.S. firearm injury research.

Esther Lee, Sarah M Stilwell, Heather Murphy, Briana A Scott, Melia Schliebe, Justin Heinze

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Preventive medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Esther LeeHealth Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America. Electronic address: esylee@umich.edu.
Sarah M StilwellHealth Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
Heather MurphyInstitute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
Briana A ScottInstitute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
Melia SchliebeInstitute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
Justin HeinzeHealth Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.

Funding

Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training ProgramT32HD108054 · NICHD · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · PI Patrick M. Carter, Marc A Zimmerman · 2022 to 2026
$1.7M
NICHD NIH HHS T32 HD108054
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesTo synthesize theoretical and conceptual frameworks in firearm injury research, identify gaps across contexts, and inform applications for researchers and practitioners.

methodsWe conducted a scoping review following PRISMA guidelines, searching seven databases for United States-based studies (1999-2024) that applied theoretical or conceptual frameworks to firearm injury research. After piloting the extraction form, reviewers charted study characteristics, firearm injury context (community, mass shootings, police, suicide, partner/dating, school, or multiple contexts), theoretical or conceptual framework, and social ecological level. Data were summarized using descriptive counts.

resultsAmong 213 studies, most were non-intervention (82%) and observational (84%), conducted in urban settings with predominantly male, non-White adolescents and young adults. Most studies applied criminological theories (Routine Activities, Social Disorganization), while only 22% applied conceptual models. Critical and equity-focused theories were absent despite demographic disparities. Few studies empirically test theories; only 21 developed or adapted frameworks. Significant gaps existed in online contexts, rural settings, and among children and older adults. Theoretical-methodological misalignment was evident.

conclusionsAlthough theoretical frameworks are foundational to firearm research, current work remains variable across populations and contexts. Theory development must move beyond siloed approaches through transdisciplinary collaboration, empirical testing, and community co-creation to guide effective prevention strategies.

Indexed as

FirearmsWounds, GunshotHumansUnited StatesConceptual modelsFirearm injuryScoping reviewTheoretical frameworksViolence prevention

Identifiers

PMID41513048
PMCPMC12989178

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceTDM
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.