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Betz ME, Frattaroli S, Knoepke CE, Johnson R, Christy A, Schleimer JP, Pear VA, McCarthy M, Kapoor R, Norko MA, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Ma W, Wintemute GJ, Swanson JW, Zeoli AM. Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Older Adults in Six U.S. States: A Descriptive Study. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:536-543. [PMID: 37688772 PMCID: PMC11229607 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2254279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) allow a court to restrict firearm access for individuals ("respondents") at imminent risk of harm to self/others. Little is known about ERPOs use for older adults, a population with higher rates of suicide and dementia. METHODS We abstracted ERPO cases through June 30, 2020, from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and Washington. We restricted our analysis to petitions for older (≥65 years) respondents, stratified by documented cognitive impairment. RESULTS Among 6,699 ERPO petitions, 672 (10.0%) were for older adults; 13.7% (n = 92) of these noted cognitive impairment. Most were white (75.7%) men (90.2%). Cognitively impaired (vs. non-impaired) respondents were older (mean age 78.2 vs 72.7 years) and more likely to have documented irrational/erratic behavior (30.4% vs 15.7%), but less likely to have documented suicidality (33.7% vs 55.0%). At the time of the petition, 56.2% of older adult respondents had documented firearm access (median accessible firearms = 3, range 1-160). CONCLUSIONS Approximately 14% of ERPO petitions for older adults involved cognitive impairment; one-third of these noted suicide risk. Studies examining ERPO implementation across states may inform usage and awareness. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS ERPOs may reduce firearm access among older adults with cognitive impairment, suicidality, or risk of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Shannon Frattaroli
- Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher E Knoepke
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult & Child Consortium for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel Johnson
- Center for Innovative Design & Analysis, Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Annette Christy
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at the de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Julia P Schleimer
- Violence Prevention Research Program, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Veronica A Pear
- Violence Prevention Research Program, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Megan McCarthy
- Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Reena Kapoor
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael A Norko
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- Center for Statistical Training and Consulting, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Garen J Wintemute
- Violence Prevention Research Program, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Swanson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - April M Zeoli
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Ross R, Prater LC, Cole A, Mustafa A, Pham K, Gallagher A, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Phelan EA. Provider Perspectives on Addressing Firearm Safety with Older Adults in Primary Care. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:555-570. [PMID: 37791738 PMCID: PMC10991080 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2023.2264291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic conditions, including mild cognitive impairment and depression, place older adults at high risk of firearm suicide. Approximately 40% of older adults have access to a firearm, and many do not store their firearms safely. However, firearm counseling occurs infrequently in clinical settings. Using by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) to conceptualize the decisional support needed by patients and their providers to facilitate firearm counseling, we explore provider perspectives on desired resources for addressing firearm safety with older adult patients. METHODS From March - August 2022, we conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with primary care providers caring for older adults. We report deductive concepts as well as emergent themes. RESULTS Major themes were identified from the three components of the ODSF; decisional needs, decision support and decisional outcomes. Themes included: provider self-efficacy to conduct firearm counseling, clinical workflow considerations, stories for change, patient diagnosis implications, and caregiver involvement. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for decision aids in the clinical setting that facilitate firearm counseling and promotes shared decision-making about firearm storage. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Implementing a decision aid in the clinical setting can improve provider self-efficacy to conduct firearm counseling and help reduce risk factors associated with firearm-related harm among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laura C. Prater
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavorial Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Allison Cole
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ayah Mustafa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kiet Pham
- School of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy Gallagher
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Phelan
- School of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, School of Public Health, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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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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Betz M, Polzer E, Knoepke C, Prater L, Simonetti J, Lee T, Meador L, Nearing K. Cars, Guns, Aging, and "Giving Up the Keys". THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:717-730. [PMID: 36383376 PMCID: PMC10167763 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac142] [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: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Age-associated changes can impair abilities for safe driving and the use of firearms. We sought to examine multiple perspectives on reducing access to firearms, including similarities and differences compared to reducing driving. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Online focus groups and 1-on-1 interviews were conducted (November 2020 to May 2021) in the United States with: older adults who drove and owned firearms; family members of older adult firearm owners/drivers; professionals in aging-related agencies; and firearm retailers/instructors. Recorded sessions were transcribed, coded, and analyzed following a mixed inductive-deductive thematic analysis process. RESULTS Among 104 participants (81 in focus groups, 23 in interviews), 50 (48%) were female, and 92 (88%) White. Key similarities: decisions are emotional and challenging; needs change over time; safety concerns are heightened by new impairments; prior experiences prompt future planning; tension between autonomy and reliance on trusted others; and strategies like reframing may ease transitions and avoid confrontations. Key differences: "retirement" was not an acceptable term for firearms; reducing driving may affect daily independence more, but there are few alternatives for the psychological safety conferred by firearms; and there are specific firearm-related legal concerns but more driving-related regulations, policies, and resources. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The similarities and differences in the processes and preferences related to reducing driving or firearm access have implications for the development of resources to support planning and action. Such resources for the public and providers might empower older adults and their families to make voluntary, shared decisions, and reduce injuries and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evan R Polzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christopher E Knoepke
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Laura C Prater
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington,USA
| | - Joseph A Simonetti
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Teresa M Lee
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lauren E Meador
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kathryn A Nearing
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Geriatrics and Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Leung T, Portz J, Fischer SM, Greenway E, Johnson RL, Knoepke CE, Matlock DD, Omeragic F, Peterson RA, Ranney ML, Betz ME. A Web-Based Decision Aid for Caregivers of Persons With Dementia With Firearm Access (Safe at Home Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e43702. [PMID: 36719721 PMCID: PMC9929727 DOI: 10.2196/43702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firearm safety among individuals with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) is an underdiscussed and underresearched concern in the United States, especially given the growing population of community-dwelling adults with ADRD. The "Safety in Dementia" (SiD) web-based decision aid was developed to support caregivers in addressing firearm access; the efficacy of SiD is unknown. OBJECTIVE Through the SiD decision aid, the Safe at Home (S@H) study aims to support caregivers in making decisions about home safety that align with their goals and values, and behaviors regarding firearm access for persons with ADRD and firearm access. METHODS The S@H study is a 2-armed randomized controlled trial to test the effect of the SiD decision aid on caregivers of community-dwelling adults with ADRD who have firearm access. S@H aims to recruit 500 ADRD caregivers (age ≥18 years, fluent in English or Spanish, and in the United States) through online or social media advertisements and through relevant organizations. Participants are randomized to view SiD or a control website at their own pace; all participants complete web-based questionnaires at baseline, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome is immediate preparation for decision-making; secondary outcomes include longitudinal decision outcomes and self-reported modifications to firearm access. The relative reach and effectiveness of each recruitment method (online/social media and through relevant organizations) will be assessed by examining differences in caregiver participation, retention rates, and relative cost. RESULTS The study enrollment began in May 2022. As of December 2022, a total of 117 participants had enrolled. CONCLUSIONS The S@H study is the first randomized trial of a firearm safety decision aid for ADRD caregivers. The results from this study will inform how best to support caregivers in decision-making regarding firearm safety. Further, results may guide approaches for recruiting caregivers and for dissemination of resources. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05173922; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05173922. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43702.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Portz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Stacy M Fischer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Emily Greenway
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christopher E Knoepke
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Faris Omeragic
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ryan A Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Megan L Ranney
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
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Carter PM, Losman E, Roche JS, Malani PN, Kullgren JT, Solway E, Kirch M, Singer D, Walton MA, Zeoli AM, Cunningham RM. Firearm ownership, attitudes, and safe storage practices among a nationally representative sample of older U.S. adults age 50 to 80. Prev Med 2022; 156:106955. [PMID: 35065980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.106955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Firearms are a leading cause of injury mortality across the lifespan, with elevated risks for older adult populations. To inform prevention efforts, we conducted a probability-based web survey (12/1/2019-12/23/2019) of 2048 older adults (age 50-80) to characterize national estimates of firearm ownership, safety practices, and attitudes about health screening, counseling, and policy initiatives. Among older U.S. adults, 26.7% [95%CI = 24.8%-28.8%] report owning one or more firearms. The primary motivation for ownership was protection (69.5%), with 90.4% highlighting a fear of criminal assault. 39.4% of firearm owners reported regularly storing firearm(s) unloaded and locked, with 24.2% regularly storing at least one loaded and unlocked. While most firearm owners found healthcare screening (69.2% [95%CI: 64.9-73.1]) and safety counseling (63.2% [95%CI = 58.8-67.3]) acceptable, only 3.7% of older adults reported being asked about firearm safety by a healthcare provider in the past year. Among firearm owners, there was support for state-level policy interventions, including allowing family/police to petition courts to restrict access when someone is a danger to self/others (78.9% [95%CI = 75.1-82.3]), comprehensive background checks (85.0% [95%CI = 81.5-87.9]), restricting access/ownership under domestic violence restraining orders (88.1%; 95%CI = 84.9-90.7], and removing firearms from older adults with dementia/confusion (80.6%; 95%CI = 76.8-84.0]. Healthcare and policy-level interventions maintained higher support among non-owners than owners (p's < 0.001). Overall, data highlights opportunities exist for more robust firearm safety prevention efforts among older adults, particularly healthcare-based counseling and state/federal policies that focus on addressing lethal means access among at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Carter
- Univ of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States of America; Dept of Health Behavior/Health Education, Univ. of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights 3790A SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Eve Losman
- Univ of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States of America.
| | - Jessica S Roche
- Univ of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States of America.
| | - Preeti N Malani
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Jeffrey T Kullgren
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., NCRC 16-330W, Ann Arbor, MI 48019, United States of America; Dept of Health Management/Policy, Univ. of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights 3790A, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States of America.
| | - Erica Solway
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Matthias Kirch
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Dianne Singer
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, North Ingalls Building, 300N. Ingalls St., 6th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - Maureen A Walton
- Univ of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
| | - April M Zeoli
- School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 655 Auditorium Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America.
| | - Rebecca M Cunningham
- Univ of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States of America; Dept of Health Behavior/Health Education, Univ. of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights 3790A SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, NCRC 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America.
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Polzer E, Nearing K, Knoepke CE, Matlock DD, McCourt A, Betz ME. "Firearm access in dementia: legal and logistic challenges for caregivers". Int Rev Psychiatry 2021; 33:653-661. [PMID: 33792478 PMCID: PMC8484338 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2021.1887098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is increasing. In the United States, older adults are among those most likely to have firearms in the home. Addressing firearm access among persons with ADRD can be confusing and stressful for family caregivers, healthcare providers, firearm industry representatives and law enforcement. This study sought to examine key stakeholder perspectives concerning legal and logistic considerations for temporary firearm transfers when a person with ADRD owned firearms. A secondary analysis of 24 qualitative interviews conducted to inform the development of a firearm safety tool for ADRD caregivers revealed four types of barriers. These barriers were each associated with logistical challenges and legal ambiguities that hampered ADRD-related firearm transfers: (1) legal questions on firearm ownership and permitted transferees; (2) transfer logistics and duration; (3) issues of engaging law enforcement or retailers for transfers; and, (4) lack of information resources and guidance. Siloes between stakeholder groups persist and limit information sharing. Broad initiatives engaging caregivers, older adults, clinicians, aging service providers, law enforcement, and firearm outlets could inform the development of policies, programs, and practices to enhance the safety and well-being of people with ADRD and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Polzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathryn Nearing
- Division of Geriatrics and Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher E. Knoepke
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daniel D. Matlock
- Division of Geriatrics and Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alexander McCourt
- Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marian E. Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
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8
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Vars FE. Older Firearm Owners and Advance Planning. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:1038-1039. [PMID: 34280342 DOI: 10.7326/l21-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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9
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Price JH, Khubchandani J. Firearm Suicides in the Elderly: A Narrative Review and Call for Action. J Community Health 2021; 46:1050-1058. [PMID: 33547617 PMCID: PMC7864138 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-00964-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Firearm suicides are one of the leading causes of death for older Americans. The purpose of this review is to explore the risk factors associated with suicides in the elderly, provide an overview of the epidemiology of firearm-related suicides in older Americans, and explore methods of preventing firearm suicides in the elderly. The vast majority (70 %) of elderly suicides in the U.S were committed using a firearm. Elderly firearm suicides have increased by 49 % between 2010 and 2018, disproportionately affecting white males. Yearly firearm suicides in the elderly ranged from 4,276 in 2010 to 6,375 in 2018. In 2018, the rate of elderly male firearm suicides was 24.96/100,000 compared to a rate of 1.92/100,000 for elderly females, a rate ratio of 13 to 1 for males compared to females. The primary risk factors for elderly firearm suicides seem to be physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and social factors. Older Americans engage in suicidal behaviors with greater planning and lethality of intent than do young adults. Of all the strategies to prevent suicides with firearms, the most efficacious measures based on current research seem to be state firearm legislation and improving mental healthcare, but these effects are not specific to the elderly. Strengthening state firearm laws and improving mental healthcare for the elderly may have promise in preventing elderly firearm-related suicides. Additional implications for practice and research are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Price
- School of Population Health, University of Toledo, 43606, OH, Toledo, USA.
| | - Jagdish Khubchandani
- Department of Public Health Sciences, New Mexico State University, NM, 88003, Las Cruces, USA
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