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Cui Y, Ahrendsen O, Mendiratta P. Mitigating firearm risks in older adults with delirium through preventive measures. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:3281-3282. [PMID: 38760948 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Cui
- Department of Geriatrics, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, UAMS, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Geriatric Evaluation and Management Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Olivia Ahrendsen
- Geriatric Evaluation and Management Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Priya Mendiratta
- Department of Geriatrics, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, UAMS, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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2
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Grunewald W, Waitz-Kudla SN, Daruwala SE, Smith AR, Anestis MD. Testing rurality as a moderator of associations between masculinity constructs, help-seeking, and firearm storage practices. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 39155868 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-reliance, emotional control, and honor ideology may prevent help-seeking when suicidal ideation emerges. Furthermore, these factors are associated with an increased likelihood of firearm ownership and unsecure storage, which could facilitate suicide attempts. The rurality of residence may impact these associations, as rural regions report increased independence, honor culture, and firearm prevalence. Therefore, this study examined how emotional control, self-reliance, and honor ideology relate to firearm storage and help-seeking for suicidal ideation, with rurality moderating these associations. METHODS Participants were 733 adults (63.6% female, 33.5% male, and 2.9% transgender/other) who reported past-month suicidal ideation. Analyses tested associations between emotional control, self-reliance, and honor ideology with help-seeking for suicidal ideation and firearm storage, with rurality moderating these associations. RESULTS The association of self-reliance and decreased help-seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in non-urban areas. The association of emotional control and decreased help-seeking willingness for suicidal ideation was significant for those in urban areas. No variables predicted firearm storage. CONCLUSIONS Self-reliance and emotional control could be barriers for help-seeking regardless of gender identity that depend on rurality. Clinicians may target emotional control/self-reliance via strengths-based approaches with an emphasis on when these constructs could be maladaptive, as this could promote help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grunewald
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Samantha E Daruwala
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - April R Smith
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Clary KL, Murley WD, Ortiz RS, Rogers ML. A step forward in conceptualizing psychological closeness/distance to suicide methods: A qualitative approach. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:649-662. [PMID: 38634715 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is a leading cause of death, making suicide prevention a major public health priority. Increasing understanding of factors influencing suicidal behavior is paramount. Previous research has implicated psychological closeness, characterized by perceptions of how close/distant or attached/detached one feels to a particular object, as a cognitive factor that influences suicidal behavior. However, a better understanding of how psychological closeness to suicide methods is conceptualized by relevant populations is needed to improve its assessment and understand how it may confer risk for suicide. METHODS The goal was to refine the conceptualization of psychological closeness to suicide methods by incorporating feedback from relevant populations. We conducted 30 interviews with those primarily identifying as having lived experience of suicide (n = 10), clinicians who work with suicidal patients (n = 11), and suicide researchers (n = 9). A rigorous thematic approach using NVivo software was used to uncover common themes. RESULTS Primary themes included familiarity, comfort, and attachment, with one emerging theme of symbolism. We define these themes, provide context to their meaning, and share exemplary quotes across diverse participants. CONCLUSION We consider clinical, research, and policy implications from an interdisciplinary lens and discuss the strengths and limitations of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Clary
- School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - William D Murley
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel S Ortiz
- School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Megan L Rogers
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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Christian H, Crasta D, Lloyd-Lester G, True G, Goodman M, Bass B, Coric K, Ruetten T, Lane R, Khazanov G. Engaging suicide prevention and firearm stakeholders in developing a workshop promoting secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. Inj Epidemiol 2024; 11:26. [PMID: 38877541 PMCID: PMC11179275 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-024-00511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the US, over 50% of suicide deaths are by firearm injury. Studies have found that limiting access to firearms, including storing them temporarily outside of the home or locking and unloading them securely at home, helps prevent suicide. Family members and other loved ones are in a unique position to encourage secure firearm storage. This paper describes the development of a workshop to empower loved ones of individuals at risk for suicide to discuss secure firearm storage in New York State. METHODS Using a multistakeholder engagement framework, we partnered with New York State county-level suicide prevention coalitions, local firearms experts, and other stakeholders to develop a 90-min workshop addressing secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. Pilot workshops were co-facilitated by a suicide prevention coalition member and a local firearms expert. Feedback gathered via surveys from workshop attendees and interviews with workshop co-facilitators were used to revise workshop content and inform dissemination. Following pilot workshops, a 1-day training event was held for potential future facilitators, and survey data were collected to assess trainee experiences and interest in facilitating future workshops. Data analysis included rapid qualitative analysis of interviews and statistical analysis of survey responses about acceptability of workshop. RESULTS Four pilot workshops included a total of 23 attendees. Pilot workshop attendees endorsed willingness and confidence to discuss secure firearm storage with a family member or loved one. The training event included 42 attendees, of which 26 indicated interest in facilitating a workshop within the next year. Co-facilitators agreed on several key themes, including the importance of having a "trusted messenger" deliver the firearms portion of the workshop, keeping the conversation focused on firearm safety for suicide prevention, and developing interventions that reflect firearm owning community's culture. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with a public health approach to suicide prevention, this study leveraged a multistakeholder engagement framework to develop a community-based workshop empowering loved ones of individuals at risk for suicide to discuss secure firearm storage. The workshop will be disseminated across New York State. We noted positive and collaborative relationships across stakeholder groups, and willingness to facilitate the workshop among both suicide prevention and firearm stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Christian
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Dev Crasta
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Gala True
- Veteran-Informed Safety Intervention and Outreach Network, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, James J. Peters, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brett Bass
- University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathryne Coric
- Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Robert Lane
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, James J. Peters, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gabriela Khazanov
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corporal Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Shinan-Altman S, Elyoseph Z, Levkovich I. The impact of history of depression and access to weapons on suicide risk assessment: a comparison of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17468. [PMID: 38827287 PMCID: PMC11143969 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 in incorporating critical risk factors, namely history of depression and access to weapons, into suicide risk assessments. Both models assessed suicide risk using scenarios that featured individuals with and without a history of depression and access to weapons. The models estimated the likelihood of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, serious suicide attempts, and suicide-related mortality on a Likert scale. A multivariate three-way ANOVA analysis with Bonferroni post hoc tests was conducted to examine the impact of the forementioned independent factors (history of depression and access to weapons) on these outcome variables. Both models identified history of depression as a significant suicide risk factor. ChatGPT-4 demonstrated a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between depression, access to weapons, and suicide risk. In contrast, ChatGPT-3.5 displayed limited insight into this complex relationship. ChatGPT-4 consistently assigned higher severity ratings to suicide-related variables than did ChatGPT-3.5. The study highlights the potential of these two models, particularly ChatGPT-4, to enhance suicide risk assessment by considering complex risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zohar Elyoseph
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
- The Center for Psychobiological Research, Department of Psychology and Educational Counseling, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
| | - Inbar Levkovich
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Oranim Academic College of Education, Kiryat Tiv’on, Israel
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Salottolo K, Sliter RJ, Marshall G, Palacio Lascano CH, Quan G, Hamilton D, Madayag R, Berg G, Bar-Or D. A joinpoint analysis examining trends in firearm injuries at six us trauma centers from 2016 to 2022. Inj Epidemiol 2024; 11:18. [PMID: 38741167 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-024-00505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an epidemic of firearm injuries in the United States since the mid-2000s. Thus, we sought to examine whether hospitalization from firearm injuries have increased over time, and to examine temporal changes in patient demographics, firearm injury intent, and injury severity. METHODS This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients hospitalized with a traumatic injury to six US level I trauma centers between 1/1/2016 and 6/30/2022. ICD-10-CM cause codes were used to identify and describe firearm injuries. Temporal trends were compared for demographics (age, sex, race, insured status), intent (assault, unintentional, self-harm, legal intervention, and undetermined), and severity (death, ICU admission, severe injury (injury severity score ≥ 16), receipt of blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, and hospital and ICU LOS (days). Temporal trends were examined over 13 six-month intervals (H1, January-June; H2, July-December) using joinpoint regression and reported as semi-annual percent change (SPC); significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS Firearm injuries accounted for 2.6% (1908 of 72,474) of trauma hospitalizations. The rate of firearm injuries initially declined from 2016-H1 to 2018-H2 (SPC = - 4.0%, p = 0.002), followed by increased rates from 2018-H2 to 2020-H1 (SPC = 9.0%, p = 0.005), before stabilizing from 2020-H1 to 2022-H1 (0.5%, p = 0.73). NH black patients had the greatest hospitalization rate from firearm injuries (14.0%) and were the only group to demonstrate a temporal increase (SPC = 6.3%, p < 0.001). The proportion of uninsured patients increased (SPC = 2.3%, p = 0.02) but there were no temporal changes by age or sex. ICU admission rates declined (SPC = - 2.2%, p < 0.001), but ICU LOS increased (SPC = 2.8%, p = 0.04). There were no significant changes over time in rates of death (SPC = 0.3%), severe injury (SPC = 1.6%), blood transfusion (SPC = 0.6%), and mechanical ventilation (SPC = 0.6%). When examined by intent, self-harm injuries declined over time (SPC = - 4.1%, p < 0.001), assaults declined through 2019-H2 (SPC = - 5.6%, p = 0.01) before increasing through 2022-H1 (SPC = 6.5%, p = 0.01), while undetermined injuries increased through 2019-H1 (SPC = 24.1%, p = 0.01) then stabilized (SPC = - 4.5%, p = 0.39); there were no temporal changes in unintentional injuries or legal intervention. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations from firearm injuries are increasing following a period of declines, driven by increases among NH Black patients. Trauma systems need to consider these changing trends to best address the needs of the injured population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Salottolo
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO, USA
- Trauma Research Department, Medical City Plano, Plano, TX, USA
- Trauma Research Department, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - R Joseph Sliter
- Trauma Services Department, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Gary Marshall
- Trauma Services Department, Medical City Plano, Plano, TX, USA
| | | | - Glenda Quan
- Trauma Services Department, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO, USA
| | - David Hamilton
- Trauma Services Department, Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Robert Madayag
- Trauma Services Department, St. Anthony Hospital, Lakewood, CO, USA
- Trauma Services Department, Lutheran Hospital, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Gina Berg
- Trauma Services Department, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - David Bar-Or
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO, USA.
- Trauma Research Department, Medical City Plano, Plano, TX, USA.
- Trauma Research Department, Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS, USA.
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Conner KR, Peters K, Conwell Y, Hutchison M, Kannan V, Lapham S, Chapman BP. Adolescent Predictors of Firearm Suicide Over Four Decades of Life in U.S. Men. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:690-697. [PMID: 37979621 PMCID: PMC10957322 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are meager individual-level data on long-term predictors of firearm suicide. METHODS This was an analysis of males (N=189,558) in the Project Talent cohort, a national probability sample of high school schools in 1960 when students completed a baseline Project Talent self-report inventory. Mortality follow-up was contingent on survival until 1979, the onset of the National Death Index when the cohort had a mean age of 35.7 years. Mortality follow-up continued until death or age 75 years, reached by all surviving members by 2018. Analyses were conducted in 2022, with the main outcome being firearm suicide deaths (n=479). Factor analyses of Project Talent items yielded three key factors: (1) interests in firearm-related professions (i.e., military service, police force), (2) interests in hunting or fishing and knowledge of long guns, and (3) stereotypic masculinity. RESULTS Survival analyses showed that long-term risk for firearm suicide was associated with 1-SD increases in firearm-related vocational interests in adolescence (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]=1.23 [1.09, 1.40]) and masculinity (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]=1.15 [1.04, 1.28]). Decreased long-term firearm suicide risk was associated with increased hunting interests and knowledge of long guns in adolescence (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]=0.86 [0.77, 0.96]) and competitive sports participation, an exploratory variable (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]=0.89 [0.80, 0.99]). CONCLUSIONS Prevention efforts are needed to lower long-term firearm suicide risk among adolescent males with high stereotypic masculinity and those interested in military or police service. Potential protective effects of competitive sports participation and socialization to long guns through hunting require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Conner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
| | - Kelly Peters
- American Institutes for Research, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Yeates Conwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Morica Hutchison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Viji Kannan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Susan Lapham
- American Institutes for Research, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Benjamin P Chapman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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Simonetti JA, Holliday R, Mignogna J, Thomas S, Smith A, Betz M, Brenner LA, Sayre G. Patients' Perspectives on Medication-Related Suicide Prevention Interventions Delivered in Emergency Settings. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:275-282. [PMID: 37933134 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Encouraging patients at risk for suicide to reduce access to potentially lethal medications and drugs is a key component of evidence-based suicide prevention. However, little research has been done to inform interventions for reducing intentional self-harm. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 28 U.S. veterans who sought emergency care from the Veterans Health Administration between 2021 and 2023 to explore veterans' perspectives on medication-related interventions, including opinions on intervention components (e.g., medication return envelopes). Matrix analysis was used to aggregate data into categories, which were predefined by using constructs from the health belief model (e.g., perceived benefits). RESULTS The participating veterans generally endorsed interventions as acceptable and were particularly supportive of distributing medication return envelopes. However, they often conceptualized these efforts as steps to prevent unintentional overdose or theft-not necessarily to prevent suicide-and rarely indicated that such interventions were appropriate for themselves. Across the interviews, participants identified important facilitators to care, such as ensuring that interventions were convenient and accounted for the perceived cost of disposing medications. Perspectives on engaging family or friends in interventions were mixed. The importance of the interventions was more readily acknowledged among participants with previous opioid use exposure-perspectives that appeared to stem from lived experiences. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes important foundational knowledge that can be used to inform research and clinical initiatives aimed at preventing medication- and drug-related suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Simonetti
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Ryan Holliday
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Joseph Mignogna
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Suzanne Thomas
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Alexandra Smith
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Marian Betz
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - Lisa A Brenner
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
| | - George Sayre
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Holliday, Mignogna, Thomas, Smith, Brenner); Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, Colorado (Simonetti, Sayre); Departments of Psychiatry (Holliday), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Mignogna, Brenner), and Emergency Medicine (Betz), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora (Betz); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle (Sayre)
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Lee DB, Simmons M, Sokol RL, Crimmins H, LaRose J, Zimmerman MA, Carter PM. Firearm suicide risk beliefs and prevention: The role of fear of community violence and firearm ownership for protection. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:340-345. [PMID: 38350311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Household firearm availability is a risk factor for firearm suicide when a household member at-risk for suicide. Firearm ownership for protection and perceptions of community violence may reduce the likelihood of limiting access to firearms as a way to prevent suicide. The association between a firearm suicide risk belief and the intention to reduce firearm access as a means of preventing suicide, with fear of community violence and firearm ownership for protection as moderators, was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analytic sample consisted of 388 Missouri firearm owners from a cross-sectional, statewide survey of Missouri adults. Logistic regression models were estimated. RESULTS Among Missouri firearm owners, firearm suicide risk belief was positively associated with the intention of reducing firearm access for firearm owners who were not afraid of community violence and owned a firearm for non-protection reasons (e.g., hunting). DISCUSSION Findings suggest that firearm suicide prevention efforts must be tailored to address the underlying beliefs about their violence risk among firearm owners who indicate they principally own for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Lee
- University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, USA.
| | | | - Rebeccah L Sokol
- University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, USA; University of Michigan School of Social Work, USA
| | - Haley Crimmins
- University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, USA
| | | | - Marc A Zimmerman
- University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, USA; University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Patrick M Carter
- University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, USA; University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA; University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, USA
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Khazanov GK, Keddem S, Hoskins K, Wortzel HS, Simonetti JA. Increasing the Acceptability of Lethal Means Safety Counseling for Firearms: Tips and Scripts. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:139-146. [PMID: 38526402 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In lethal means safety counseling (LMSC), clinicians encourage patients to limit their access to common and lethal means of suicide, especially firearms. However, previous studies have shown that clinicians may hesitate to deliver this evidence-based intervention, in part because of concerns that patients might not find such discussions acceptable. Based on a published review of 18 qualitative studies examining diverse perspectives on LMSC, we discuss strategies that may help clinicians increase the acceptability of LMSC among their patients and present supporting scripts, rationales, and resources. The studies included in the review examined the perspectives of clinicians, patients, firearm owners, and other relevant groups across a wide range of clinical settings on LMSC for firearms. The authors of these studies recommend that clinicians approach LMSC in a nonjudgmental manner with awareness of their own biases, demonstrate cultural competency by acknowledging the role of firearms in patients' lives, and adapt LMSC to patients' previous experiences with firearms, safety, and injury. Clinicians may also want to contextualize and provide a rationale for LMSC, decide whether or not to directly ask about access to firearms, and recommend a range of storage options tailored to the patient. Free locking devices or discount coupons for purchasing such devices may increase the acceptability and efficacy of these discussions. The strategies recommended in this paper are the first to be based on a comprehensive set of relevant studies. Future research is needed to examine whether these strategies do in fact increase the acceptability of LMSC and promote other outcomes such as increased feasibility and efficacy.
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Stanley IH, Hom MA, Wright A. Emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians' views on EMS-delivered interventions to promote secure firearm storage practices. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:4-14. [PMID: 38243662 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) to promote secure firearm storage may reduce the risk of firearm-involved deaths, including suicide. We examined if emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, including emergency medical technicians and paramedics, may be suitable LMSC messengers. METHOD We conducted a web-based survey of 229 US EMS clinicians. RESULTS While few EMS clinicians supported EMS-delivered LMSC to all patients (17.0%), most supported EMS-delivered LMSC to patients in an acute suicidal crisis (64.2%) or with a known suicide attempt history (55.9%). Barriers to EMS-delivered LMSC included lack of training (73.4%), perceptions that LMSC is outside EMS clinicians' scope of practice (58.1%), and lack of standard operating procedures (56.3%). Most reported at least some interest in receiving training on EMS-delivered LMSC (67.7%). Participants holding more accurate beliefs about the link between firearm storage practices and suicide risk, as well as the efficacy of LMSC, were more likely to support EMS-delivered LMSC across patient scenarios (ORs = 2.18-5.21, ps <0.01) and express interest in receiving LMSC training (ORs = 3.78-5.43, ps <0.001). CONCLUSION Given that many EMS clinicians interface with patients at elevated suicide risk, targeted LMSC training may be strategic; however, research is needed to determine if and how EMS clinicians might be viable LMSC messengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Stanley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for COMBAT Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, Aurora, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Melanie A Hom
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Angela Wright
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Glasser NJ, Baker NA, Pollack HA, Hussaini SS, Tung EL. Age Trends And State Disparities In Firearm-Related Suicide In The US, 1999-2020. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1551-1558. [PMID: 37931189 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, we analyzed trends in firearm suicide across the life course, comparing age-related trends over time (2015-20 versus 1999-2014) and stratified by differences in state firearm policy environments. Overall, we found stable trends in firearm suicide rates across the life course, although with higher overall rates across all age groups in 2015-20 versus in 1999-2014. Ages 14-16 was the only age group with an accelerating life-course trend in firearm suicide rates in 2015-20 versus in 1999-2014. The state policy environment was associated with significant differences in firearm suicide, with an average of 4.62 more deaths per 100,000 people per year in states with less- versus more-strict environments. This was in contrast to nonfirearm suicides, for which we observed no consistent differences between states. The largest overall differences in firearm suicide between states occurred in adulthood through middle age. These findings can inform further research on health care-based approaches to reducing firearm suicide, such as health care screening for firearm ownership, screening for suicide risk among firearm owners, and motivational interviewing to promote safe firearm storage.
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Kudler H. Preventing Firearm-Related Deaths Among Service Members and Veterans. N C Med J 2023; 84:215-218. [PMID: 39302296 DOI: 10.18043/001c.81263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Heightened risk of death by suicide among military service members and veterans reflects employment of firearms as a favored means. This commentary offers a practical preventive approach employing lethal means reduction, addressing upstream factors, identifying current and former service members in community settings, and understanding their unique culture and concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Kudler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
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14
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Lange S, Jiang H, Kaplan MS, Kim KV, Rehm J. Association Between Acute Alcohol Use and Firearm-Involved Suicide in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e235248. [PMID: 36988957 PMCID: PMC10061235 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.5248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Firearms are the method of suicide used most often in the US. Acute alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of suicide by firearm. However, the dose-response association between acute alcohol use and the probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide is unknown. Objective To evaluate the association between the amount of alcohol consumed and the probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used mortality data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System on suicide decedents aged 18 years or older with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC; ie, ≥0.01 g/dL). Statistical analysis was performed from January 2003 to December 2020. Exposure Acute alcohol use, ascertained via postmortem toxicologic examination. Main Outcomes and Measures Probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide compared with all other methods of suicide. Results The study included 45 959 male suicide decedents (mean [SD] age, 42.6 [14.8] years) and 12 136 female suicide decedents (mean [SD] age, 44.2 [13.8] years) with a positive BAC; of those, 24 720 male decedents (53.8%) and 3599 female decedents (29.7%) used a firearm as the method of suicide. The probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide when alcohol is consumed was higher for male decedents, with the probability starting at just below 0.50 and increasing to approximately 0.75. In contrast, for female decedents, the probability began at just above 0.30 and increased to approximately 0.55. For both male and female decedents, the dose-response curves were an inverted U shape; as BAC increased, the probability of firearm-involved suicide initially increased and then decreased at very high BACs (approximately 0.40 g/dL for male decedents and approximately 0.30 g/dL for female decedents; these BACs were present among only a small percentage of alcohol-involved suicides: male decedents, 589 [1.3%]; female decedents, 754 [6.2%]). Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study of suicide decedents who had consumed alcohol prior to their death suggests that, as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide increased until a certain BAC, at which point the probability started to decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huan Jiang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark S Kaplan
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles
| | - Kawon Victoria Kim
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program on Substance Abuse, Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
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Nathan RO. Approaches to Prevention of Firearm Violence. JAMA 2023; 329:513. [PMID: 36786797 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.21862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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Betz ME, Simonetti JA. Approaches to Prevention of Firearm Violence-Reply. JAMA 2023; 329:513-514. [PMID: 36786794 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.21865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Joseph A Simonetti
- Rocky Mountain VA Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
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