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Bock JE, Daruwala SE, Tucker RP, Foster SD, Bandel SL, Gunn JF, Anestis MD. Honor Endorsement and Increased Firearm Purchasing Behavior and Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241255323. [PMID: 38802302 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241255323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The surge in firearm sales from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to increases in firearm violence, which is of public concern given that having firearms in one's home is associated with increased risk for domestic violence and suicide. Consistent with pre-pandemic trends, individuals tended to purchase firearms for self-protection during COVID-19. Prior work indicates that protective firearm ownership is motivated not only by perceptions that the world (and one's local environment) is dangerous, but also by one's endorsement of masculinity norms found in U.S. cultures of honor (primarily southern and western states). Honor-based masculinity norms emphasis reputation defense, toughness, and an absolute intolerance of disrespect. The present research examined the relative motivating influences of various threat perceptions and masculine honor endorsement in predicting reasons for non-COVID-19 firearm ownership, firearm purchasing during COVID-19, and purchase intentions. Three separate samples (total N = 2483) of mostly White U.S. men completed online surveys during different months of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed measures of their endorsement of masculine honor norms, factors associated with firearm purchasing (e.g., dangerous world beliefs, intolerance of uncertainty), and firearm purchasing behaviors. Results indicated that masculine honor endorsement was higher among (1) protective firearm owners compared to non-owners and non-protective owners, (2) firearm owners who purchased a firearm during COVID-19 compared to non-owners and non-purchasing owners, and (3) firearm owners with intentions to purchase firearms in the next year compared to those without intentions and undecided owners. Relative to other predictors (e.g., COVID-19 concerns, dangerous world beliefs), masculine honor endorsement was consistently the strongest predictor of these outcomes. Findings add to the literature by highlighting the strength of masculine honor endorsement in motivating (protective) firearm ownership. Implications for interpersonal violence and suicide are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod E Bock
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Samantha E Daruwala
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Raymond P Tucker
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Bandel
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - John F Gunn
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Public Health - Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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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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Tan H, Shipley J, Park FS, Donnelly MR, Kong AP, Barrios C, Grigorian A, Nahmias J. Firearm Violence Involving Adults 65 and Older During the Novel Coronavirus Disease Pandemic. Am Surg 2024; 90:345-349. [PMID: 37669124 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231200672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of firearm violence (FV) surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a paucity of data regarding older adults (OAs) (≥65 years old). This study aimed to evaluate patterns of FV against OAs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, hypothesizing decreased firearm incidents, injuries, and deaths for OAs due to restricted social movement. METHODS Retrospective (2016-2021) data for OAs were obtained from the Gun Violence Archive. The rate of FV was weighted per 10,000 OAs using annual population data from the United States Census Bureau. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare annual firearm incidence rates, number of OAs killed, and number of OAs injured from 2016-2020 to 2021. RESULTS From 944 OA-involved shootings, 842 died in 2021. The median total firearm incidents per month per 10,000 OAs decreased in 2021 vs 2016 (.65 vs .38, P < .001), 2017 (.63 vs .38, P < .001), 2018 (.61 vs .38, P < .001), 2019 (.39 vs .38, P = .003), and 2020 (.43 vs .38, P = .012). However, there was an increased median number of OAs killed in 2021 vs 2020 (.38 vs .38, P = .009), but no difference from 2016-2019 vs 2021 (all P > .05). The median number of firearm injuries decreased from 2017 to 2021 (.21 vs .19, P = .001) and 2020 to 2021 (.19 vs .19 P < .001). DISCUSSION Firearm incidents involving OAs decreased in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic years; however, there was a slight increase in deaths compared to 2020. This may reflect increased social isolation; however, future research is needed to understand why this occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Tan
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Shipley
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Flora S Park
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Megan R Donnelly
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Allen P Kong
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Cristobal Barrios
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Areg Grigorian
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Roess AA, Henderson LF, Adams LM, Renshaw KD. Association Between Firearm Purchasing in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress, August 2021. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100171. [PMID: 38293250 PMCID: PMC10825591 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Firearm sales and firearm-related injuries and deaths increased during the pandemic. Little is known about motivations for firearm purchasing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health status of first-time purchasers. The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between firearm purchasing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and stress. Methods The authors analyzed data from a survey that approximated a nationally representative sample of American adults (N=3,528) who either did not own firearms (n=2,327) or purchased firearms for the first time in response to the pandemic (n=240). Self-reported stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were determined using standardized self-assessment questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, respectively). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between firearm purchasing and each mental health measure were assessed after controlling for demographics and other determinants. Results In each model, first-time firearm owners were more likely to be younger, live in urban areas, believe the government does too much for its citizens, stay home, stock up on items, and keep their children at home. First-time owners had significantly higher odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms than non-owners (AOR=1.05; 95% CI=1.04, 1.07 and AOR=1.15; 95% CI=1.04, 1.26, respectively). Conclusions First-time firearm purchasers report higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than non-owners, suggesting that there may be a risk of suicide and other related firearm violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira A. Roess
- Department of Global and Community Health George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Laura F. Henderson
- Department of Global and Community Health George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Leah M. Adams
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Keith D. Renshaw
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
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Hicks BM, Vitro C, Johnson E, Sherman C, Heitzeg MM, Durbin CE, Verona E. Who bought a gun during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States?: Associations with QAnon beliefs, right-wing political attitudes, intimate partner violence, antisocial behavior, suicidality, and mental health and substance use problems. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290770. [PMID: 37643192 PMCID: PMC10464976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290770] [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] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There was a large spike in gun purchases and gun violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We used an online U.S. national survey (N = 1036) to examine the characteristics of people who purchased a gun between March 2020 and October 2021 (n = 103) and compared them to non-gun owners (n = 763) and people who own a gun but did not purchase a gun during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 170). Compared to non-gun owners, pandemic gun buyers were younger and more likely to be male, White race, and to affiliate with the Republican party. Compared to non-gun owners and pre-pandemic gun owners, pandemic gun buyers exhibited extreme elevations on a constellation of political (QAnon beliefs, pro-gun attitudes, Christian Nationalism, approval of former President Donald Trump, anti-vax beliefs, COVID-19 skepticism; mean Cohen's d = 1.15), behavioral (intimate partner violence, antisocial behavior; mean d = 1.38), mental health (suicidality, depression, anxiety, substance use; mean d = 1.21), and personality (desire for power, belief in a dangerous world, low agreeableness, low conscientiousness; mean d = 0.95) characteristics. In contrast, pre-pandemic gun owners only endorsed more pro-gun attitudes (d = 0.67), lower approval of President Joe Biden (d = -0.41) and were more likely to be male and affiliate with the Republican party relative to non-gun owners. Pandemic gun buyers represent an extreme group in terms of political and psychological characteristics including several risk-factors for violence and self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Hicks
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Catherine Vitro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Carter Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Mary M. Heitzeg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - C. Emily Durbin
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Edelyn Verona
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
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Buck-Atkinson J, McCarthy M, Stanley IH, Harnke B, Anestis MD, Bryan CJ, Baker JC, Betz ME. Firearm locking device preferences among firearm owners in the USA: a systematic review. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:33. [PMID: 37415242 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing firearm-involved injuries is a critical public health priority. Firearm locking devices can prevent firearm injuries, such as suicide and unintentional shootings, as well as theft. Various firearm locking devices exist; however, little is known about firearm owners' preferred locking devices for secure firearm storage. In this systematic review, we examined existing literature on preferred locking devices for secure storage of personal firearms among United States (US) firearm owners with the purpose of understanding practical implications and needs for future research. METHODS We searched 8 major databases, as well as the grey literature, for English-language sources published on or before January 24, 2023, that empirically examined firearm locking device preferences. Following PRISMA guidelines, coders independently screened and reviewed 797 sources using pre-determined criteria. Overall, 38 records met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. RESULTS The majority of studies measure and report on participant use of various types of locking devices, but few go on to measure preference between device options and the attributes and features that may contribute to an individual's preference. Included studies suggest that a preference for larger devices, such as lockboxes and gun safes, may exist among US firearm owners. CONCLUSIONS Review of included studies suggests that current prevention efforts may not be aligned with firearm owners' preferences. Additionally, findings from this systematic review emphasize the need for additional methodological rigorous research to understand firearm locking device preferences. Expanded knowledge in this area will result in actionable data and foundational best practices for programming that encourages behavior change concerning secure storage of personal firearms to prevent injury and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Buck-Atkinson
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Megan McCarthy
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ian H Stanley
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Center for COMBAT Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ben Harnke
- Strauss Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12950 E Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- Rutgers School of Public Health, New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- School of Public Health, The State University of New Jersey, 683 Hoes Lane West, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Craig J Bryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 3650 Olentangy River Rd, Suite 330, Columbus, OH, 43214, USA
| | - Justin C Baker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 3650 Olentangy River Rd, Suite 330, Columbus, OH, 43214, USA
| | - Marian E Betz
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 E 17th Avenue B215, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Denver, CO, USA
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7
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Bond AE, Brooks JR, Rodriguez TR, Bandel SL, Anestis MD. Examining characteristics and experiences of Black firearm owners. J Clin Psychol 2023. [PMID: 37190950 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23532] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study sought to better understand the characteristics of those who own firearms in the Black community; and to understand how Black firearm owners differ from nonfirearm owning Black individuals on a variety of variables related to safety, threat concerns, and suicide risk. METHODS Two samples were utilized in this study. The first was a subsample of those who identified as Black from a nationally representative sample (N = 502) seeking to understand firearm ownership within the United States. The second used a subsample of those who identified as Black (N = 1086) from a representative sample from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Variables related to safety and threat concerns were included in the second sample. RESULTS In both samples, multiple demographic variables, such as being a woman and having higher education, predicted firearm ownership. In the second sample, experiences of everyday discrimination and crime experiences were associated with firearm ownership. Additionally, Black firearm owners reported significantly more suicidal ideation than Black nonfirearm owners. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the unique characteristics and experiences of Black firearm owners and show that firearm ownership is associated with increased suicide risk factors for Black adults. Findings should be used to advocate for the creation of more culturally relevant suicide prevention and firearm means safety strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Bond
- The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jasmin R Brooks
- Department of Psychology, The University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Taylor R Rodriguez
- The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shelby L Bandel
- The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- The 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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Anestis MD, Bandel SL, Bond AE, Bryan CJ. Threat sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and firearm purchasing during a firearm purchasing surge. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 162:200-206. [PMID: 37172510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The firearm purchasing surge that began in 2020 has seen an unprecedented number of firearms purchased within the United States. The present study examined if those who purchased during the surge differed in their levels of threat sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty from firearm owners who did not purchase during the surge and from non-firearm owners. A sample of 6,404 participants from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Mississippi were recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Results indicated that surge purchasers have higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and threat sensitivity relative to firearm owners who did not purchase during the surge and non-firearm owners. Additionally, first time purchasers reported greater threat sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty relative to established firearm owners who purchased additional firearms during the purchasing surge. Findings from the present study increase our understanding of how sensitivity to threats and the ability to tolerate uncertainty differs among firearm owners purchasing at this time. The results help us determine what programs will increase safety among firearm owners (e.g., buy back options, safe storage maps, firearm safety trainings).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, USA; Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, USA.
| | | | | | - Craig J Bryan
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, USA
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Roess AA, Henderson LF, Adams LM, Renshaw KD. Predictors of firearm purchasing during the coronavirus pandemic in the United States: a cross-sectional study. Public Health 2023; 219:159-164. [PMID: 37244224 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.04.004] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare determinants of firearm purchasing related to the pandemic. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional survey. METHODS A total of 3853 online panel participants completed a survey between December 22, 2020, and January 2, 2021, to approximate a nationally representative sample of US adults (aged ≥18 years). Four firearm ownership groups were created: non-owners, a proxy for first-time COVID-19 owners, prepandemic owners with COVID-19 purchase, and prepandemic owners without COVID-19 purchase. Explanatory variables were in four domains: demographics, concern about the pandemic, actions taken in response to COVID-19, and emotional response to COVID-19. Multivariate analysis estimated the adjusted odds of the outcomes. RESULTS Respondents were categorized as non-owners (n = 2440), pandemic-related purchasers with no other firearms (n = 257), pandemic-related purchasers with other firearms (n = 350), and those who did not purchase in response to the pandemic but have other firearms (n = 806). Multivariable logistic regression found that compared with non-owners, those who had firearms at home with no pandemic-related purchases are more likely to be male, live in rural settings, have higher income, and be Republican. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the changing profile of American firearm owners and identify that those who purchased firearms for the first time (in response to the pandemic) should be the focus of tailored public health interventions, including provision of education about recommended firearm storage to reduce firearm violence, particularly because they are more likely to have children at home, and belong to demographic groups that may have less experience with firearm safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Roess
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Blvd, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
| | - L F Henderson
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Blvd, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - L M Adams
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Blvd, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - K D Renshaw
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Blvd, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
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10
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O'Neill KM, Dodington J, Gawel M, Borrup K, Shapiro DS, Gates J, Gregg S, Becher RD. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on community violence in Connecticut. Am J Surg 2023; 225:775-780. [PMID: 36253316 PMCID: PMC9540704 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural disasters may lead to increases in community violence due to broad social disruption, economic hardship, and large-scale morbidity and mortality. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on community violence is unknown. METHODS Using trauma registry data on all violence-related patient presentations in Connecticut from 2018 to 2021, we compared the pattern of violence-related trauma from pre-COVID and COVID pandemic using an interrupted time series linear regression model. RESULTS There was a 55% increase in violence-related trauma in the COVID period compared with the pre-COVID period (IRR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.34-1.80; p-value<0.001) driven largely by penetrating injuries. This increase disproportionately impacted Black/Latinx communities (IRR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.36-1.90; p-value<0.001). CONCLUSION Violence-related trauma increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased community violence is a significant and underappreciated negative health and social consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one that excessively burdens communities already at increased risk from systemic health and social inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M O'Neill
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Investigative Medicine Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - James Dodington
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Violence Intervention Program, Yale New Haven Hospital, USA.
| | - Marcie Gawel
- Violence Intervention Program, Yale New Haven Hospital, USA.
| | - Kevin Borrup
- Injury Prevention Center, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
| | - David S Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center, USA; Associate Professor of Surgery University of Connecticut School of Medicine & Frank L. Netter Schools of Medicine, USA.
| | - Jonathan Gates
- Department of Surgery, Hartford Healthcare Hartford Hospital, USA.
| | - Shea Gregg
- Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, Bridgeport Hospital, USA.
| | - Robert D Becher
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Lund JJ, Tomsich E, Schleimer JP, Pear VA. Changes in suicide in California from 2017 to 2021: a population-based study. Inj Epidemiol 2023; 10:19. [PMID: 36973826 PMCID: PMC10041498 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-023-00429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a major public health problem with immediate and long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities. In 2020 and 2021, stressors wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home mandates, economic turmoil, social unrest, and growing inequality likely modified risk for self-harm. The coinciding surge in firearm purchasing may have increased risk for firearm suicide. In this study, we examined changes in counts and rates of suicide in California across sociodemographic groups during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic relative to prior years. METHODS We used California-wide death data to summarize suicide and firearm suicide across race/ethnicity, age, education, gender, and urbanicity. We compared case counts and rates in 2020 and 2021 with 2017-2019 averages. RESULTS Suicide decreased overall in 2020 (4123 deaths; 10.5 per 100,000) and 2021 (4104; 10.4 per 100,000), compared to pre-pandemic (4484; 11.4 per 100,000). The decrease in counts was driven largely by males, white, and middle-aged Californians. Conversely, Black Californians and young people (age 10 to 19) experienced increased burden and rates of suicide. Firearm suicide also decreased following the onset of the pandemic, but relatively less than overall suicide; as a result, the proportion of suicides that involved a firearm increased (from 36.1% pre-pandemic to 37.6% in 2020 and 38.1% in 2021). Females, people aged 20 to 29, and Black Californians had the largest increase in the likelihood of using a firearm in suicide following the onset of the pandemic. The proportion of suicides that involved a firearm in 2020 and 2021 decreased in rural areas compared to prior years, while there were modest increases in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic and co-occurring stressors coincided with heterogeneous changes in risk of suicide across the California population. Marginalized racial groups and younger people experienced increased risk for suicide, particularly involving a firearm. Public health intervention and policy action are necessary to prevent fatal self-harm injuries and reduce related inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Lund
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Tomsich
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julia P Schleimer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Veronica A Pear
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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12
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Lund JJ, Tomsich E, Schleimer JP, Pear VA. Changes in self-harm and suicide in California from 2017-2021: a population-based study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2395128. [PMID: 36711840 PMCID: PMC9882613 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2395128/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background : Self-harm and suicide are major public health problems with immediate and long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities. In 2020 and 2021, stressors wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, stay-at-home mandates, economic turmoil, social unrest, and growing inequality likely modified risk for self-harm. The coinciding surge in firearm purchasing may have increased risk for firearm suicide. In this study, we examined changes in counts and rates of fatal and nonfatal intentional self-harm in California across sociodemographic groups during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic relative to prior years. Methods: We used California-wide death data and University of California (UC)-wide hospital data to summarize fatal and nonfatal instances of intentional self-harm across race/ethnicity, age, education, gender, region, and method of harm. We compared case counts and rates in 2020 and 2021 with 2017-2019 averages. Results : Suicide decreased overall in 2020 (4123 deaths; 10.5 per 100,000) and 2021 (4104; 10.4 per 100,000), compared to pre-pandemic (4484; 11.4 per 100,000). The decrease in counts was driven largely by males, white, and middle-aged Californians. Conversely, Black Californians and young people (age 10-19) experienced increased burden and rates of suicide. Firearm suicide also decreased following the onset of the pandemic, but relatively less than overall suicide; as a result, the proportion of suicides that involved a firearm increased (from 36.1% pre-pandemic to 37.6% in 2020 and 38.1% in 2021). Females, people aged 20-29, and Black Californians had the largest increase in the likelihood of using a firearm in suicide following the onset of the pandemic. Counts and rates of nonfatal, intentional self-harm in UC hospitals increased in 2020 (2160; 30.7 per 100,000) and 2021 (2175; 30.9 per 100,000) compared to pre-pandemic (2083; 29.6 per 100,000), especially among young people (age 10-19), females, and Hispanic Californians. Conclusions : The COVID-19 pandemic and co-occurring stressors coincided with heterogeneous changes in risk of self-harm and suicide across the California population. Marginalized racial groups, females, and younger people experienced increased risk for self-harm, particularly involving a firearm. Public health intervention and policy action are necessary to prevent fatal and nonfatal self-harm injuries and reduce related inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Lund
- University of California Davis School of Medicine
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13
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Karnick AT, Bond AE, Kaufman EJ, Anestis MD, Capron DW. Injury characteristics and circumstances of firearm trauma: Assessing suicide survivors and decedents. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022; 52:1217-1225. [PMID: 36056539 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12916] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite representing fewer than 5% of suicide attempts, firearms account for over half of deaths. Yet there is little clinical information regarding firearm attempts, particularly survivors. We assessed clinical factors differentiating firearm suicide survivors from decedents, firearm attempters from other methods, and firearm attempters from similarly injured trauma patients. METHODS We used clinical data from the National Trauma Data Bank (2017) to assess firearm suicide attempts using cross-sectional and case-control designs. We used logistic and multinomial regression to compare groups and assess firearm type and discharge destination. RESULTS Older age, being uninsured, and injury location were associated with increased mortality among firearm attempters. Older age, White race, male sex, and being uninsured were associated with firearm attempts. Major psychiatric disorders were associated with firearm attempts and using a rifle or shotgun. Major psychiatric disorders, female sex, and smoking were associated with psychiatric discharge. Black and other race were associated with law enforcement discharge, and Black race was associated with lower odds of psychiatric discharge. Uninsured patients had lower odds of discharge to long-term care, psychiatric, or rehabilitation facilities. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies factors associated with firearm suicide and includes indicators of disparities in health services for patients at high risk of suicide death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr T Karnick
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Allison E Bond
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Elinore J Kaufman
- Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.,New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel W Capron
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
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14
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Abstract
Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Between 2000 and 2018, US suicide rates increased by 35%, contributing to the stagnation and subsequent decrease in US life expectancy. During 2019, suicide declined modestly, mostly owing to slight reductions in suicides among Whites. Suicide rates, however, continued to increase or remained stable among all other racial/ethnic groups, and little is known about recent suicide trends among other vulnerable groups. This article (a) summarizes US suicide mortality trends over the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, (b) reviews potential group-level causes of increased suicide risk among subpopulations characterized by markers of vulnerability to suicide, and (c) advocates for combining recent advances in population-based suicide prevention with a socially conscious perspective that captures the social, economic, and political contexts in which suicide risk unfolds over the life course of vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Martínez-Alés
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; ,
- Department of Psychiatry, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tammy Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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15
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Barberis N, Cannavò M, Cuzzocrea F, Verrastro V. Suicidal Behaviours During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Review. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:84-96. [PMID: 35601250 PMCID: PMC9112993 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective Novel COVID-19 disease has become a major concern worldwide, and a recent line of research warned that the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may be a major risk factor for developing severe suicidal behaviors. A broad systematic review is needed to cover the studies that have already assessed the potential underlying factors for suicidal behaviors in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Method A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were then described according to the subsequent categories: (1) countries where the studies were carried out; (2) factors impacting suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak; and (3) examination of the observed populations. Results Findings of the current systematic review suggest that there is a certain amount of heterogeneity in factors impacting suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak, with economic downturn, psychiatric vulnerability, isolation and quarantine, health concerns, and relational difficulties being the most prominent reasons for developing suicidal behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions Timely interventions are needed to prevent suicidal behaviors in both the clinical and general populations, and in this regard, the creation of standard procedures may speed up the process.
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16
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Naureckas Li C, Sacks CA, Masiakos PT, Flaherty MR. Updates in Firearms Access Screening. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:17-18. [PMID: 34246816 PMCID: PMC8721091 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Naureckas Li
- Lawrence Center for Quality and Safety, Massachusetts General Hospital (C Naureckas Li), Boston, Mass; Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (C Naureckas Li), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Harvard Medical School (C Naureckas Li, CA Sacks, PT Masiakos, MR Flaherty), Boston, Mass.
| | - Chana A. Sacks
- Harvard Medical School (C Naureckas Li, CA Sacks, PT Masiakos, MR Flaherty), Boston, Mass,Department of Medicine (CA Sacks), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Peter T. Masiakos
- Harvard Medical School (C Naureckas Li, CA Sacks, PT Masiakos, MR Flaherty), Boston, Mass,Department of Pediatric Surgery (PT Masiakos), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Michael R. Flaherty
- Harvard Medical School (C Naureckas Li, CA Sacks, PT Masiakos, MR Flaherty), Boston, Mass,Department of Pediatrics (MR Flaherty), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
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17
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Tucker RP, Powers J, Pardue-Bourgeois S, Oakey-Frost N, Moscardini EH, Gilroy SP, Capron DW, Bryan CJ, Anestis MD. Vehicle Firearm Storage: Prevalence and Correlates in a Sample of Male Firearm Owners. Arch Suicide Res 2021; 27:479-493. [PMID: 34962216 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.2020698] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previous research has linked unsafe firearm storage practices and other ownership-related characteristics to key factors that facilitate the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicidal behaviors (i.e., acquired capability for suicide). This research has not investigated the extent to which firearm owners store firearms in their vehicles, a factor that increases ready access to the most lethal means of suicide. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of occasional and permanent vehicle firearm storage as well as demographic and psychological correlates of this practice in a sample of N = 408 adult male firearm owners oversampled for historical thoughts of suicide. METHODS Participants completed an online survey for monetary compensation. RESULTS Over 40% of participants indicated at least occasionally storing firearms in their vehicles with over 15% indicating storage of firearms unlocked and loaded. Elevated scores on measures of negative affect, worry, intolerance of uncertainty, and historical suicidal thoughts and behaviors were seen in those who endorsed vehicle firearm storage compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION Individual and public health firearm safety strategies would benefit from an explicit focus on the transition of firearms to and from one's vehicle.HIGHLIGHTSOver 40% of male firearm owners at least occasionally store a firearm in a vehicle.15% of those who store a firearm in a vehicle do so unlocked and loaded.Suicidal thought severity was related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.Historical suicidal behaviors were related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.
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18
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Bond AE, Wagler K, Anestis MD. Essential workers: Past month suicidal ideation and COVID-19 stress. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:2849-2859. [PMID: 34750808 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined if essential workers (EW) reported higher past month suicidal ideation (SI) and coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) stress than non-EW, explored if the association between EW status and SI is indirect through COVID stress, and tested whether EW who identified as black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) experienced more past month SI and COVID stress than white EW. METHODS Participants (N = 3500) were predominately white and female. COVID-19 was assessed with the COVID-19 subscale. RESULTS EWs reported higher past month ideation and COVID-19 stress than non-EWs. EWs who identified as BIPOC reported higher past month ideation and higher fears about economic consequences and compulsive checking and reassurance seeking subscales compared to White EWs. CONCLUSION EWs experience higher rates of SI and stress than non-EW; and BIPOC EWs experience higher SI and stress than White EWs. Accessibility of support should be a priority for this group at high risk for both the physical and emotional burden of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Bond
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kayla Wagler
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Michael D Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,School of Public Health, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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19
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Anestis MD, Bandel SL, Bond AE. The Association of Suicidal Ideation With Firearm Purchasing During a Firearm Purchasing Surge. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2132111. [PMID: 34714337 PMCID: PMC8556615 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.32111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Firearm access is associated with risk for suicide, and, since early 2020, the US has experienced an unprecedented surge in firearm sales. OBJECTIVE To assess frequency of suicidal ideation among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period (surge purchasers), other firearm owners, and non-firearm owners. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional online survey data were collected from January to June 2021. Participants were recruited via quota sampling through Qualtrics Panels. Within Minnesota, zip codes from Minneapolis and St Paul were oversampled. Participants included 6404 US adults recruited from 3 states: New Jersey (n = 3197), Minnesota (n = 1789), and Mississippi (n = 1418). Participants identified as becoming a first-time firearm owner during the surge period, being an established firearm owner who purchased a firearm during the surge period, being a firearm owner who did not buy firearms during the surge period, and not owning firearms. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were lifetime, past year, and past month suicidal ideation as measured by the Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Revised. RESULTS The mean (SD) age within the full sample was 44.81 (18.45) years, with 3132 males (48.8%), 4706 White adults (73.4%), 2674 reporting annual household income less than $50 000 (41.7%), and 1546 (24.1%) reporting current firearm ownership. In the full sample, individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period were more likely than were non-firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.82-2.68), past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.72-2.55), and past-month suicidal ideation (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.41-2.29). In addition, among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period, first-time owners were more likely than established firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.43-3.14) and past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.59-3.53). Results were largely consistent across states. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this survey study, results highlighted that individuals who acquired firearms during the purchasing surge were more likely than other firearm owners and non-firearm owners to have experienced suicidal thoughts. This is particularly true for individuals who purchased a firearm for the first time during the surge period. This illustrates the need to implement policies and interventions that increase safety among firearm purchasers (eg, safe firearm storage) as well as those that promote the acquisition of alternative forms of protection (eg, home alarm systems).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Anestis
- New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Piscataway
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
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20
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Asarnow JR, Chung B. Editorial: COVID-19: lessons learned for suicide prevention. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:919-921. [PMID: 34402061 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This editorial discusses lessons learned from the COVID-19 public health emergency as they relate to the prevention of suicide, the second leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults globally. Recognizing that COVID-19 impact and response varied across nations, we offer a US perspective, addressing two questions: (a) what have we learned from this pandemic and mitigation strategies used to reduce cases of COVID-19 illness and deaths; and (b) how can our research advance knowledge and be advanced by work aimed at understanding the impact of this 'unusual' period? Provisional data indicate that during the pandemic and lockdown period, there were some declines in suicide rates for the total US population and no change in youth. However, data also indicate increases in reported suicidal ideation and behavior, mental health-related ED visits, and ED visits for suicidal ideation and behavior in youth. Heterogeneity of pandemic effects is noteworthy, with ethnic and racial minority populations suffering the most from COVID-19, COVID-19-related risk factors, and possibly suicide deaths. As vaccinations can prevent severe COVID-19 cases and deaths, we also have demonstrations of effective 'psychological inoculations' such as community-based interventions for reducing suicide attempts and deaths. During COVID-19, we mobilized to provide clinical care through telehealth and digital interventions. The challenge now is to continue to put our science to work to mitigate the adverse impacts of the pandemic on suicide and suicide risk factors, our children's mental health, and enhance mental health and well-being in our communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan R Asarnow
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bowen Chung
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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21
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Kravitz-Wirtz N, Aubel AJ, Pallin R, Wintemute GJ. Public Awareness of and Personal Willingness to Use California's Extreme Risk Protection Order Law to Prevent Firearm-Related Harm. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2021; 2:e210975. [PMID: 35977171 PMCID: PMC8796972 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.0975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Questions Findings Meaning Importance Objective Design, Setting, and Participants Main Outcomes and Measures Results Conclusions and Relevance
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kravitz-Wirtz
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Amanda J. Aubel
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Rocco Pallin
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Garen J. Wintemute
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
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22
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Kravitz-Wirtz N, Aubel A, Schleimer J, Pallin R, Wintemute G. Public Concern About Violence, Firearms, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in California. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2033484. [PMID: 33394004 PMCID: PMC7783542 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.33484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Violence is a significant public health problem that has become entwined with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVE To describe individuals' concerns regarding violence in the context of the pandemic, experiences of pandemic-related unfair treatment, prevalence of and reasons for firearm acquisition, and changes in firearm storage practices due to the pandemic. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study used data from the 2020 California Safety and Well-being Survey, a probability-based internet survey of California adults conducted from July 14 to 27, 2020. Respondents came from the Ipsos KnowledgePanel, an online research panel with members selected using address-based sampling methods. Responses were weighted to be representative of the adult population of California. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Topics included worry about violence for oneself before and during the pandemic; concern about violence for someone else due to a pandemic-related loss; experiences of unfair treatment attributed to the pandemic; firearm and ammunition acquisition due to the pandemic; and changes in firearm storage practices due to the pandemic. RESULTS Of 5018 invited panel members, 2870 completed the survey (completion rate, 57%). Among respondents (52.3% [95% CI, 49.5%-55.0%] women; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [16.9] years; 41.9% [95% CI, 39.3%-44.6%] White individuals), self-reported worry about violence for oneself was significantly higher during the pandemic for all violence types except mass shootings, ranging from a 2.8 percentage point increase for robbery (from 65.5% [95% CI, 62.8%-68.0%] to 68.2% [95% CI, 65.6%-70.7%]; P = .008) to a 5.6 percentage point increase for stray bullet shootings (from 44.5% [95% CI, 41.7%-47.3%] to 50.0% [47.3%-52.8%]; P < .001). The percentage of respondents concerned that someone they know might intentionally harm themselves was 13.1% (95% CI, 11.5%-15.3%). Of those, 7.5% (95% CI, 4.5%-12.2%) said it was because the other person had experienced a pandemic-related loss. An estimated 110 000 individuals (2.4% [95% CI, 1.1%-5.0%] of firearm owners in the state) acquired a firearm due to the pandemic, including 47 000 new owners (43.0% [95% CI, 14.8%-76.6%] of those who had acquired a firearm). Of owners who stored at least 1 firearm in the least secure way, 6.7% (95% CI, 2.7%-15.6%) said they had adopted this unsecure storage practice in response to the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this analysis of findings from the 2020 California Safety and Well-being Survey, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in self-reported worry about violence for oneself and others, increased firearm acquisition, and changes in firearm storage practices. Given the impulsive nature of many types of violence, short-term crisis interventions may be critical for reducing violence-related harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kravitz-Wirtz
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Amanda Aubel
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Julia Schleimer
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Rocco Pallin
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Garen Wintemute
- University of California Firearm Violence Research Center and Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
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23
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John A, Eyles E, Webb RT, Okolie C, Schmidt L, Arensman E, Hawton K, O'Connor RC, Kapur N, Moran P, O'Neill S, McGuiness LA, Olorisade BK, Dekel D, Macleod-Hall C, Cheng HY, Higgins JP, Gunnell D. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harm and suicidal behaviour: a living systematic review. F1000Res 2020; 9:1097. [PMID: 33604025 PMCID: PMC7871358 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.25522.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused morbidity and mortality, as well as, widespread disruption to people's lives and livelihoods around the world. Given the health and economic threats posed by the pandemic to the global community, there are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour may rise during and in its aftermath. Our living systematic review (LSR) focuses on suicide prevention in relation to COVID-19, with this iteration synthesising relevant evidence up to June 7 th 2020. Method: Automated daily searches feed into a web-based database with screening and data extraction functionalities. Eligibility criteria include incidence/prevalence of suicidal behaviour, exposure-outcome relationships and effects of interventions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes of interest are suicide, self-harm or attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. No restrictions are placed on language or study type, except for single-person case reports. Results: Searches identified 2070 articles, 29 (28 studies) met our inclusion criteria, of which 14 articles were research letters or pre-prints awaiting peer review. All articles reported observational data: 12 cross-sectional; eight case series; five modelling; and three service utilisation studies. No studies reported on changes in rates of suicidal behaviour. Case series were largely drawn from news reporting in low/middle income countries and factors associated with suicide included fear of infection, social isolation and economic concerns. Conclusions: A marked improvement in the quality of design, methods, and reporting in future studies is needed. There is thus far no clear evidence of an increase in suicide, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, or suicidal thoughts associated with the pandemic. However, suicide data are challenging to collect in real time and economic effects are evolving. Our LSR will provide a regular synthesis of the most up-to-date research evidence to guide public health and clinical policy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020183326 01/05/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann John
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | - Emily Eyles
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Roger T. Webb
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Chukwudi Okolie
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | - Lena Schmidt
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keith Hawton
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rory C. O'Connor
- Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nav Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Moran
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Luke A. McGuiness
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Dana Dekel
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Hung-Yuan Cheng
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julian P.T. Higgins
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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24
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John A, Eyles E, Webb RT, Okolie C, Schmidt L, Arensman E, Hawton K, O'Connor RC, Kapur N, Moran P, O'Neill S, McGuiness LA, Olorisade BK, Dekel D, Macleod-Hall C, Cheng HY, Higgins JP, Gunnell D. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harm and suicidal behaviour: update of living systematic review. F1000Res 2020; 9:1097. [PMID: 33604025 PMCID: PMC7871358 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.25522.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable morbidity, mortality and disruption to people's lives around the world. There are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour may rise during and in its aftermath. Our living systematic review synthesises findings from emerging literature on incidence and prevalence of suicidal behaviour as well as suicide prevention efforts in relation to COVID-19, with this iteration synthesising relevant evidence up to 19 th October 2020. Method: Automated daily searches feed into a web-based database with screening and data extraction functionalities. Eligibility criteria include incidence/prevalence of suicidal behaviour, exposure-outcome relationships and effects of interventions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes of interest are suicide, self-harm or attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. No restrictions are placed on language or study type, except for single-person case reports. We exclude one-off cross-sectional studies without either pre-pandemic measures or comparisons of COVID-19 positive vs. unaffected individuals. Results: Searches identified 6,226 articles. Seventy-eight articles met our inclusion criteria. We identified a further 64 relevant cross-sectional studies that did not meet our revised inclusion criteria. Thirty-four articles were not peer-reviewed (e.g. research letters, pre-prints). All articles were based on observational studies. There was no consistent evidence of a rise in suicide but many studies noted adverse economic effects were evolving. There was evidence of a rise in community distress, fall in hospital presentation for suicidal behaviour and early evidence of an increased frequency of suicidal thoughts in those who had become infected with COVID-19. Conclusions: Research evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on suicidal behaviour is accumulating rapidly. This living review provides a regular synthesis of the most up-to-date research evidence to guide public health and clinical policy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide risk as the longer term impacts of the pandemic on suicide risk are researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann John
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | - Emily Eyles
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Roger T. Webb
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Chukwudi Okolie
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Public Health Wales NHS Trust, Swansea, UK
| | - Lena Schmidt
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keith Hawton
- University Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rory C. O'Connor
- Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nav Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Moran
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Luke A. McGuiness
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Dana Dekel
- Population Psychiatry, Suicide and Informatics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Hung-Yuan Cheng
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julian P.T. Higgins
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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