Suchergebnisse

Since 2015, tens of millions of guns have entered the U.S. market. Using household survey data, we found that the number of firearms owned by U.S. adults increased from 265 million in 2015 to 326 million in 2019. Over this period, the proportion of firearms that were handguns increased slightly, from 42 to 44 percent, continuing a long-standing trend. Seventy percent of handguns were pistols (102 million) and 30 percent revolvers (43 million); 5.7 million were stored in cars. Sixty-three percent of long guns were rifles (113 million); 37 percent were shotguns (65 million). Of the 40 percent of rifles that were semiautomatic, half were described as military-style rifles (23 million) and half as hunting rifles (22 million). Gun ownership was highly concentrated: 87 percent of all firearms were owned by the half of gun owners who owned more than two guns. We discuss the public health and surveillance implications of these findings.

Abstract. Background: While some suicide prevention initiatives distribute locking devices for firearms and medication, little evidence exists to guide the selection of devices. Aims: This study aimed to describe safety standards for locking devices and compare parental acceptance rates for different types of devices. Method: As part of the larger SAFETY Study, behavioral health clinicians provided free locking devices to parents whose child was evaluated in the emergency department (ED) for a suicide-related or behavioral health-related problem. For logistical reasons, we changed the specific devices offered midstudy. Data on device use came from follow-up interviews with 226 parents. Results: Few effective standards exist for locking devices for home use; we could easily break into some. At follow-up, twice as many gun-owning parents were using ED-provided handgun lockboxes as cable locks (28% vs. 14%, p = .02). Overall, 55% of parents reported using an ED-provided medication lockbox, with more using the drawer-sized lockbox than the larger, steel toolbox (60% vs. 42%, p < .01). Limitations: Storage outcomes are from parents' self-report and from one state only. Conclusion: Parents appeared to prefer some devices over others. Our findings suggest the need for (a) effective safety standards, (b) affordable devices meeting these standards, and (c) further research on consumer preferences to ensure use.

A recommended component of suicide prevention is encouraging at-risk individuals to voluntarily and temporarily reduce access to firearms and other lethal methods. Yet delivering counseling on the topic can be difficult, given the political sensitivity of firearm discussions. To support such counseling, we sought to identify recommended framing and content of messages about reducing firearm access for suicide prevention. Through qualitative interviews with firearm owners and enthusiasts, we identified key points for use in framing (identity as a gun owner; trust; voluntary and temporary storage; and context and motivation) and specific content (preference for 'firearm' over 'gun', and legal issues like background checks for transfers). These findings build on prior work and should enhance efforts to develop and deliver effective, acceptable counseling and – ultimately – prevent firearm suicide.