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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Environmental Medicine | Study protocol

A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law

Authors: Thokozani P. Mbonane, Angela Mathee, André Swart, Nisha Naicker

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Low-level lead exposure has harmful and persistent effects on behaviour. Recent studies have linked environmental lead exposure and the development of aggressive, violent and criminal behaviour. This protocol is designed to study an association between lifetime (bone) lead levels and violent criminal behaviour among young males in conflict with the law in Gauteng youth development centres.

Methods

This paper describes a study to determine a link between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour. Lifetime lead exposure will be measured using bone lead measurement, while blood lead levels will be observed for current exposure. Thereafter, criminal records of participants will be reviewed whereas violent behaviour and risk factors will be observed using a questionnaire. The study focused on young males in conflict with the law in three centres within Gauteng Provence, South Africa. After stratifying the centres, we randomly selected participants. The researcher shall adhere to ethical requirements throughout the study. Data will be analysed for descriptive and inferential analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).

Discussion

The study will provide a strong foundation for an improved understanding of the relationship between environmental contamination from lead exposure and aggression/violent criminal behaviour. Beyond the health sector, the study findings may be able to inform new approaches to crime prevention through environmental action with an emphasis on the role of non-health sectors.

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Title: A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law
Authors: Thokozani P. Mbonane
Angela Mathee
André Swart
Nisha Naicker
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Environmental Medicine
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7025-5

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

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