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Anestis MD, Bond AE, Semenza DC. Differences in reasons for secure and unsecure firearm storage: Results from a representative cross-sectional study of nine states. Prev Med Rep 2024; 44:102813. [PMID: 39099773 PMCID: PMC11295948 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine factors that differentiate firearm owners who endorse specific reasons for secure and unsecure firearm storage. Methods A subsample of firearm-owning adults (n = 3,119) drawn from a representative sample of adults (n = 7,785) residing in nine US states participated in an online survey. Results The most common reason for not always using a gun safe was concerns that they render firearms too slow to access during an emergency (60.2%). The most common reasons for current firearm storage were ensuring ready access in case of emergency (59.7%) and preventing access by children and adolescents (44.6%). Firearm owners varied on their reasons based upon current storage habits, reasons for ownership, and the presence of firearms in the home. Conclusions Firearm owners with children in the home are more likely to select storage methods they feel will prevent access by vulnerable individuals, whereas those who own for defensive purposes and those who store firearms loaded and unlocked are more likely to endorse storing their firearms for quick home defense and convenience and to see gun safes as unnecessary obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Allison E. Bond
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Daniel C. Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers-Camden, Camden, NJ, USA
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2
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Moceri-Brooks J, Paruk J, Semenza D, Anestis MD. Correlates of dangerous firearm storage among a representative sample of firearm owners across nine states. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 39023294 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify demographic and behavioral correlates of dangerous firearm storage (i.e., unlocked and loaded) among firearm owners in nine states. METHODS Online survey data from the probability-based sample were collected using Ipsos Knowledge Panel. Participants were adults residing in nine states across the United States (n = 7785). RESULTS Nearly one third of the firearm owners within the sample stored at least one of their firearms unlocked and loaded. Greater threat sensitivity was associated with dangerous firearm storage. Established firearm owners who purchased an additional firearm during the firearm purchasing surge (2020-2021) had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. Those who had direct exposure to firearm violence and those whose primary reason for having a firearm at home was protection also had increased odds of storing at least one firearm unlocked and loaded. CONCLUSIONS The results contribute to the literature on firearm storage tendencies, highlighting correlates of dangerous firearm storage within the home related to perceptions of threat and direct experiences with firearm violence. Implications include the need for broad public education on the value of secure storage targeted toward to those who have an elevated perception of danger and have been personally exposed to firearm violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayna Moceri-Brooks
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer Paruk
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Bandel SL, Moceri-Brooks J, Bond AE, Semenza D, Anestis MD. US Residents' Recognition of Proper Use of Firearm Cable Locks. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415064. [PMID: 38837162 PMCID: PMC11154157 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15064] [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] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This survey study examines the ability of firearm owners and nonowners to determine correct and incorrect cable lock use across different types of firearms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Bandel
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, West Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, West Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jayna Moceri-Brooks
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, West Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Allison E. Bond
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, West Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, West Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Daniel Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, West Piscataway, New Jersey
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University–Camden, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Michael D. Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, West Piscataway, New Jersey
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Stanley IH, Lebeaut A, Betz ME, Wright A, Vujanovic AA. Firearm ownership and storage practices among United States firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. Psychol Serv 2024; 21:206-213. [PMID: 37261761 PMCID: PMC10689572 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Compared with the general U.S. population, firefighters (FF) and emergency medical services (EMS) workers (FF + EMS personnel) are at increased risk for firearm suicide. Although secure firearm storage is associated with reduced risk of firearm suicide, no study has examined the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of firearm ownership and storage practices among U.S. FF + EMS personnel. A total of 141 U.S. FF + EMS personnel completed a structured, web-based self-report questionnaire. Overall, 76.6% (n = 108) of FF + EMS personnel in our sample reported owning a personal firearm, among whom 85.2% (n = 92) reported owning more than one firearm. Among firearm owners, 42.6% (n = 46) reported secure firearm storage (i.e., unloaded and locked) and 57.4% (n = 62) reported nonsecure firearm storage (i.e., loaded and/or unlocked). FF + EMS personnel who cited personal safety as the only reason for firearm ownership, as opposed to reporting other or multiple reasons for ownership (e.g., hunting), were at increased odds of reporting nonsecure storage practices (69.4% vs. 47.5%; OR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.14, 5.55], p = .023). Most FF + EMS personnel in our sample reported firearm ownership, and approximately half of the firearm owners reported nonsecure firearm storage practices. Promoting secure firearm storage practices among FF + EMS personnel might decrease risk of firearm suicide and other forms of firearm-related injuries. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H. Stanley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Center for COMBAT Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Antoine Lebeaut
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Marian E. Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Angela Wright
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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5
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Sola JL, Pickett JT. Widespread, bipartisan aversion exists to neighbors owning AR-15s or storing guns insecurely. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2311825121. [PMID: 38588423 PMCID: PMC11032460 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311825121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 45,000 gun deaths occur annually in the United States, a country with more than 100 million gun owners and more than 350 million guns. Nevertheless, passing legislation to reduce gun violence is difficult because the issue is intensely polarized. Polls asking about general gun policies (e.g., AR-15 restrictions) demonstrate that, at least in the abstract, Americans disagree vehemently about whether civilians should be able to keep and bear arms. It is possible, however, that a hidden consensus exists in America, which has thus far escaped attention-specifically, that when the focus is on their immediate environments and daily lives, even traditionally pro-gun groups may exhibit aversion to certain types of gun ownership and storage practices. To test this, we conducted two preregistered survey experiments with a large national sample. The first was a conjoint analysis where respondents chose between neighbors (n = 33,596 choices) who randomly varied on seven attributes, including gun ownership (none, pistol, AR-15). No group of respondents, not even traditionally pro-gun groups (e.g., Republicans), exhibited a significant preference for living near gun owners, and every group was averse to AR-15-owning neighbors. The second experiment, per debates about safe-storage laws, was a picture-based factorial vignette that randomized a neighbor's gun storage practices (n = 2,098). Every group of respondents was averse to interacting with a neighbor who stored guns outside of a locked safe. Our findings demonstrate that there is widespread agreement that certain types of gun ownership and storage practices are undesirable for communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. Sola
- Department of Sociology and School of Data Science and Society, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3210
| | - Justin T. Pickett
- School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY12222
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Anestis MD, Moceri-Brooks J, Ziminski D, Barnes RT, Semenza D. Firearm Access and Gun Violence Exposure Among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240073. [PMID: 38436959 PMCID: PMC10912965 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0073] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance American Indian or Alaska Native and Black adults experience elevated rates of firearm injury and death, but both groups are severely underrepresented in research on firearm exposure and behaviors. Objective To explore geodemographic differences in firearm behaviors and violence exposure among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black adults in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants In this survey study, nationally representative samples of American Indian or Alaska Native and/or Black adults recruited from KnowledgePanel were surveyed cross-sectionally. Surveys were administered online between April 12 and May 4, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Firearm access, storage, and carrying behaviors and lifetime firearm violence exposure were the primary outcomes. Demographic factors such as age, geographic location, and political affiliation were considered. Data were weighted to geodemographic distributions from the US Census Bureau's 2022 Current Population Survey. Results Of 3542 participants, 527 (14.9%) were American Indian or Alaska Native (280 [53.1%] female) and 3015 (85.1%) were Black (1646 [54.6%] female). Both groups exhibited high firearm access rates (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 238 [45.4%; 95% CI, 39.4%-51.7%]; Black adults: 909 [30.4%; 95% CI, 28.0%-32.9%]), predominantly owning handguns for home protection. The groups demonstrated similar firearm storage patterns, and a substantial proportion endorsed always or almost always carrying firearms outside the home (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 18.9%; Black adults: 15.2%). Self-protection was a common reason for carrying a firearm (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 104 [84.9%; 95% CI, 74.1%-91.7%]; Black adults: 350 [88.3%; 95% CI, 82.3%-92.4%]), and a minority of participants cited lack of faith in the police (American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 19 [15.2%; 95% CI, 8.2%-26.7%]; Black adults: 61 [15.4%; 95% CI, 10.3%-21.2%]), indicating potential shifts in public safety dynamics. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study of American Indian or Alaska Native and Black US adults, a substantial percentage of both groups reported living in homes with firearms, storing firearms loaded and unlocked, frequently carrying firearms outside the home, and having been exposed directly and indirectly to gun violence. These findings underscore the need for nuanced public health campaigns and policies and highlight challenges for law enforcement in contexts of racial disparities and changing legal frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
| | - Jayna Moceri-Brooks
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
| | - Devon Ziminski
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
- Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, Rutgers University–Camden, Cinnaminson, New Jersey
| | - R. Thurman Barnes
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
| | - Daniel Semenza
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University–Camden, Cinnaminson, New Jersey
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7
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Asa N, Buchbinder SA, Bonnell T, Mills B, Littman A. Engagement with Preventive Health Behaviors and Safe Firearm Storage Practices Using the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:167-176. [PMID: 37935039 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231214867] [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: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE "Behavioral bundling" is a theory that explains how some health behaviors reinforce one another. This study aims to investigate the relationship between preventive health behaviors (PHBs) and safe firearm storage. DESIGN This study used a cross-sectional design using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data. SETTING Survey participants resided in California, Idaho, Kansas, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. SUBJECTS There were 12,817 people living in households with a firearm included in this study. MEASURES We classified individuals' engagement in 5 PHBs: cholesterol screening, influenza immunization, physical activity, primary care, and seatbelt use. We defined safe firearm storage as storing a firearm unloaded, or loaded but locked. ANALYSIS Using Poisson regression models, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to estimate the association between engagement in the five PHBs with safe firearm storage. RESULTS Most firearm owners reported safe firearm storage (80.3%). The prevalence of safe firearm storage was 3% higher for each additional PHB engaged in (aPR = 1.03 [1.01, 1.05]). There was a higher prevalence of safe firearm storage among those who always wore a seatbelt while driving or riding in a car compared to those who did not (aPR = 1.12 [1.05, 1.18]). CONCLUSION This study found preliminary evidence to suggest that engagement in seatbelt usage may be bundled with safe firearm storage, though we are not able to determine causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Asa
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Tyler Bonnell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brianna Mills
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alyson Littman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
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8
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Betz ME, Meza K, Friedman K, Moceri-Brooks J, Johnson ML, Simonetti J, Baker JC, Bryan CJ, Anestis MD. 'Whether it's your weapon or not, it's your home': US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage. BMJ Mil Health 2023:e002591. [PMID: 38135459 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002591] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive-inductive approach. RESULTS Across 56 participants (August 2022-March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person. CONCLUSION US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - K Meza
- Department Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - K Friedman
- Department Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - J Moceri-Brooks
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - M L Johnson
- Department Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - J Simonetti
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - J C Baker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - C J Bryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, VA Finger Lakes Health Care System, Canandaigua, New York, USA
| | - M D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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9
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Wilson RF, Mintz S, Blair JM, Betz CJ, Collier A, Fowler KA. Unintentional Firearm Injury Deaths Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 Years - National Violent Death Reporting System, United States, 2003-2021. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:1338-1345. [PMID: 38096119 PMCID: PMC10727142 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7250a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, unintentional injury is the fourth leading cause of death among infants (i.e., children aged <1 year) and is the top cause of death among children and adolescents aged 1-17 years; firearms are a leading injury method. Unsecured firearms (e.g., unlocked and loaded) are associated with risk for unintentional childhood firearm injury death. Data recorded during 2003-2021 by the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were used to characterize unintentional firearm injury deaths of U.S. infants, children, and adolescents aged 0-17 years (referred to as children in this report). NVDRS identified 1,262 unintentional firearm injury deaths among children aged 0-17 years: the largest percentage (33%) of these deaths were among children aged 11-15 years, followed by 29% among those aged 0-5 years, 24% among those aged 16-17 years, and 14% among persons aged 6-10 years. Overall, 83% of unintentional firearm injury deaths occurred among boys. The majority (85%) of victims were fatally injured at a house or apartment, including 56% in their own home. Approximately one half (53%) of fatal unintentional firearm injuries to children were inflicted by others; 38% were self-inflicted. In 9% of incidents, it was unknown whether the injury was self- or other-inflicted. Approximately two thirds (67%) of shooters were playing with or showing the firearm to others when it discharged. Overall, firearms used in unintentional injury deaths were often stored loaded (74%) and unlocked (76%) and were most commonly accessed from nightstands and other sleeping areas (30%). Unintentional firearm injury deaths of children are preventable. Secured firearm storage practices (e.g., storing firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition) have been identified as protective factors against child firearm injuries and deaths, underscoring the importance of policymakers, health care professionals (e.g., pediatricians), and others partnering with parents, caregivers, and firearm owners to promote secure firearm storage.
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10
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Villarreal RI, Stanley IH, Anestis MD, Buck-Atkinson J, Betz ME. Older Adults' Preferences Regarding Firearm Locking Device Use: Results of a National Survey. Clin Gerontol 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37994864 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2285994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Use of firearm locking devices may reduce the risk of suicide and injury among older adults. This study describes older adults' preferences when choosing a firearm locking device. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of a nationally representative survey of US adult firearm owners (N = 2,152). We compared older adults (≥65y) with relatively younger adults (<65y), stratified by self-reported gender. RESULTS The top three factors cited as impacting firearm locking device selection included speed (53.6%) and ease of firearm access from device (52.4%), and cost of the device (28.7%). These top factors were comparable for all adults across genders. A larger proportion of older vs younger males reported that a primary preference was whether the device allows the firearm to remain loaded with ammunition; smaller proportions of older vs younger males reported strength of device (device durability) and costs. CONCLUSIONS Preference among older adults, particularly older males, for locking devices that maintain the firearms easy to access - especially, loaded with ammunition - might impact firearm injury prevention efforts for this high-risk group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS For harm reduction, use of any firearm locking device may reduce the risk of firearm injury or death. Clinicians are encouraged to explore reasons for locking device selection within motivational interviewing frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo I Villarreal
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for COMBAT Research, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ian H Stanley
- Center for COMBAT Research, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jessica Buck-Atkinson
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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11
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Luster T, Loder RT. Firearm Injuries during Pregnancy in the USA. Clin Pract 2023; 13:791-805. [PMID: 37489421 PMCID: PMC10366773 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13040072] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Trauma during pregnancy is the leading cause of non-pregnancy-related maternal deaths, with some due to injuries from firearms. It was the purpose of this study to characterize the patterns and presentations of firearm-associated injuries in pregnant women using a national emergency department visit database. Data from the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research Firearm Injury Surveillance Study 1993-2020 were utilized. The data include age, sex, race, type of firearm, perpetrator of injury, intent of injury (unintentional, assault, suicide, or law enforcement), anatomic location of the injury, incident locale, disposition from the emergency department (ED), and whether the patient was shot or not with the firearm. Of the 3.36 million ED visits over this time span for firearm injuries, 4410 were pregnant women. The mean age of the pregnant cohort was 23.6 years, with more Hispanic and fewer White women in the pregnant group compared to the non-pregnant cohort. Pregnant women were more likely to experience an injury involving the lower trunk and had a higher percentage of fatalities and hospital admissions compared to the non-pregnant cohort. Fetal demise occurred in at least 70% of cases. Nearly one half of the assaults (44%) occurred on Saturdays and Sundays. As the cause of these injuries is complex, prevention will require input from multiple sources, including health care providers, social agencies, government agencies, elected officials, and law enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Luster
- Division of Student Affairs, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Randall T Loder
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Riley Children's Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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