BACKGROUND: Nearly 2,000 people die each year from violence (homicide, suicides, and unintentional firearm deaths) in North Carolina (NC). The NC-VDRS is a comprehensive, statewide, population-based surveillance system developed by the CDC that tracks violent deaths across NC. Since the system was established in 2004, NC has collected detailed data on more than 20,000 violent deaths. This data collection is meant to provide data to communities and researchers to inform intervention and evaluation efforts and help prevent future violent deaths. The purpose of this study is to better understand awareness and use of NC-VDRS and available data.
METHODS: A quantitative online survey was developed and informed by semi-structured key informant interviews conducted with NC-VDRS stakeholders (n=12). The survey was distributed to NC-VDRS email newsletter subscribers (n=531). Respondents (n=151) included Local Health Department staff, law enforcement officials, researchers, and other community partners. Researchers performed a descriptive analysis of demographic and organizational variables to assess current stakeholder awareness and report usefulness of NC-VDRS resources and data as it is currently presented. The survey evaluated NC-VDRS data sources including: annual reports, fact sheets, e-newsletters, website, and the data request process.
RESULTS: Preliminary analyses show that newsletter subscribers are most aware of the website and least aware of the availability of data requests. The top reason for not accessing data sources was a lack of awareness. Over 90% of users aware of data sources reported barriers to ease of data access. Usage of data depended on the data source—top uses included needs assessments, advocacy, grant-writing, program evaluation, and monitoring. Among respondents, 59% highlighted a need for more tailored communication, while 53% requested webinars to learn how to use data provided.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite several years of existence, it is unclear to what extent local prevention groups and others have used NC-VDRS resources. This study helps NC-VDRS staff understand awareness of the system and current usage of the data and resources (reports, fact sheets, newsletter, etc.) to better build local capacity to prevent violence. As the number of preventable violent deaths nationwide continues to increase and gain widespread media attention, programming to prevent such deaths is currently lagging. The data gathered by NC-VDRS has potential to inform prevention programming and intervention development. By understanding awareness levels of the NC-VDRS and the use of violent death data, public health practitioners can take next steps toward developing effective data-driven programming.
