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Richards JA, Kuo E, Stewart C, Shulman L, Parrish R, Whiteside U, Boggs JM, Simon GE, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Betz ME. Reducing Firearm Access for Suicide Prevention: Implementation Evaluation of the Web-Based "Lock to Live" Decision Aid in Routine Health Care Encounters. JMIR Med Inform 2024; 12:e48007. [PMID: 38647319 PMCID: PMC11063417 DOI: 10.2196/48007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background "Lock to Live" (L2L) is a novel web-based decision aid for helping people at risk of suicide reduce access to firearms. Researchers have demonstrated that L2L is feasible to use and acceptable to patients, but little is known about how to implement L2L during web-based mental health care and in-person contact with clinicians. Objective The goal of this project was to support the implementation and evaluation of L2L during routine primary care and mental health specialty web-based and in-person encounters. Methods The L2L implementation and evaluation took place at Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA)-a large, regional, nonprofit health care system. Three dimensions from the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) model-Reach, Adoption, and Implementation-were selected to inform and evaluate the implementation of L2L at KPWA (January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021). Electronic health record (EHR) data were used to purposefully recruit adult patients, including firearm owners and patients reporting suicidality, to participate in semistructured interviews. Interview themes were used to facilitate L2L implementation and inform subsequent semistructured interviews with clinicians responsible for suicide risk mitigation. Audio-recorded interviews were conducted via the web, transcribed, and coded, using a rapid qualitative inquiry approach. A descriptive analysis of EHR data was performed to summarize L2L reach and adoption among patients identified at high risk of suicide. Results The initial implementation consisted of updates for clinicians to add a URL and QR code referencing L2L to the safety planning EHR templates. Recommendations about introducing L2L were subsequently derived from the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with patients (n=36), which included (1) "have an open conversation," (2) "validate their situation," (3) "share what to expect," (4) "make it accessible and memorable," and (5) "walk through the tool." Clinicians' interviews (n=30) showed a strong preference to have L2L included by default in the EHR-based safety planning template (in contrast to adding it manually). During the 2-year observation period, 2739 patients reported prior-month suicide attempt planning or intent and had a documented safety plan during the study period, including 745 (27.2%) who also received L2L. Over four 6-month subperiods of the observation period, L2L adoption rates increased substantially from 2% to 29% among primary care clinicians and from <1% to 48% among mental health clinicians. Conclusions Understanding the value of L2L from users' perspectives was essential for facilitating implementation and increasing patient reach and clinician adoption. Incorporating L2L into the existing system-level, EHR-based safety plan template reduced the effort to use L2L and was likely the most impactful implementation strategy. As rising suicide rates galvanize the urgency of prevention, the findings from this project, including L2L implementation tools and strategies, will support efforts to promote safety for suicide prevention in health care nationwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Angerhofer Richards
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elena Kuo
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christine Stewart
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lisa Shulman
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rebecca Parrish
- Department of Mental Health & Wellness, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ursula Whiteside
- NowMattersNow.org, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Boggs
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Gregory E Simon
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Mental Health & Wellness, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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Cohen JS, Howard MB, McDonald EM, Ryan LM. A Call to Action: Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities in Childhood Unintentional Injury Risk. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063445. [PMID: 38439733 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna S Cohen
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary Beth Howard
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eileen M McDonald
- Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Leticia Manning Ryan
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Fraser Doh K, Bishop Z, Gillings T, Johnson J, Boy A, Waris RS, Bhatia AM, Santore MT, Simon HK. Receptivity of providing firearm safety storage devices to parents along with firearms safety education. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352400. [PMID: 38577291 PMCID: PMC10991684 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the United States, 33% of households with children contain firearms, however only one-third reportedly store firearms securely. It's estimated that 31% of unintentional firearm injury deaths can be prevented with safety devices. Our objective was to distribute safe storage devices, provide safe storage education, evaluate receptivity, and assess impact of intervention at follow-up. Method At five independent, community safety events, parents received a safe storage device after completing a survey that assessed firearms storage methods and parental comfort with discussions regarding firearm safety. Follow-up surveys collected 4 weeks later. Data were evaluated using descriptive analysis. Result 320 participants completed the surveys, and 288 participants were gunowners living with children. Most participants were comfortable discussing safe storage with healthcare providers and were willing to talk with friends about firearm safety. 54% reported inquiring about firearm storage in homes their children visit, 39% stored all their firearms locked-up and unloaded, 32% stored firearms/ammunition separately. 121 (37%0.8) of participants completed the follow-up survey, 84% reported using the distributed safety device and 23% had purchased additional locks for other firearms. Conclusion Participants were receptive to firearm safe storage education by a healthcare provider and distribution of a safe storage device. Our follow up survey results showed that pairing firearm safety education with device distribution increased overall use of safe storage devices which in turn has the potential to reduce the incidence of unintentional and intentional self-inflicted firearm injuries. Providing messaging to promote utilization of safe storage will impact a firearm safety culture change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiesha Fraser Doh
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhana Bishop
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Angela Boy
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rabbia S Waris
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amina M Bhatia
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthew T Santore
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Harold K Simon
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Gaffley M, Rauh JL, Gardner A, Palmer R, Haberman C, Petty JK, Neff LP. Storage Practices, Devices, and Presence of Children Among Owners of Firearms: Informing Pediatric Firearm Safety. Am Surg 2023; 89:5891-5896. [PMID: 37253678 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231180932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firearm injury is the leading cause of death in children and prevention is the most effective method to reduce severe morbidity and mortality. Injury prevention programs have used community firearm lock giveaway events to promote safe firearm storage practices. The locks are generally simple and inexpensive devices suitable for mass distribution but may not possess the owner-desired attributes for use in the home. Because data on owner preferences for firearm lock type is lacking, we conducted a community survey to inform firearm safety outreach efforts. METHODS We performed an anonymous cross-sectional survey at a large community fair. We elicited responses regarding reasons for firearm ownership, current storage practices, and preferences for firearm storage devices. Participants were offered a choice of a free trigger lock or cable lock and education on its use. RESULTS Two-hundred and sixty-seven of 394 (67.7%) respondents reported firearm ownership, with 64.8% reporting children in the home regularly. Most (60.7%) owned handguns and cited personal protection as the main reason for ownership (88.4%). The ability to store the firearm loaded and the need for rapid access were identified as the main storage considerations. Respondents preferred trigger locks over cable locks at a rate of almost 2:1. CONCLUSIONS The majority of firearm owners had handguns for self-defense. Owners preferred simple locking mechanisms that allowed the firearm to remain loaded. The pragmatic pediatric injury prevention program will include firearm owners' preferences when considering which lock to purchase and distribute during firearm injury prevention programs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, Epidemiological.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica L Rauh
- General Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Alison Gardner
- Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Palmer
- Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cara Haberman
- Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - John K Petty
- General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lucas P Neff
- General Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Rowhani-Rahbar A. Firearm Storage Practices-What Constitutes Safe? JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e231452. [PMID: 36862417 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington
- Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program, University of Washington
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7
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Lee LK, Fleegler EW, Goyal MK, Doh KF, Laraque-Arena D, Hoffman BD, Injury Violence And Poison Prevention CO. Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in Children and Youth. Pediatrics 2022; 150:189687. [PMID: 36207778 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Firearms are the leading cause of death in children and youth 0 to 24 years of age in the United States. In 2020, firearms resulted in 10,197 deaths (fatality rate 9.91/100,000 youth 0-24 years old). Firearms are the leading mechanism of death in pediatric suicides and homicides. Increased access to firearms is associated with increased rates of firearm deaths. Substantial disparities in firearm injuries and deaths exist by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation and gender identity and for deaths related to legal intervention. Barriers to firearm access can decrease the risk to youth for firearm suicide, homicide, or unintentional shooting injury and death. Given the high lethality of firearms and the impulsivity associated with suicidal ideation, removing firearms from the home or securely storing them-referred to as lethal means restriction of firearms-is critical, especially for youth at risk for suicide. Primary care-, emergency department-, mental health-, hospital-, and community-based intervention programs can effectively screen and intervene for individuals at risk for harming themselves or others. The delivery of anticipatory guidance coupled with safety equipment provision improves firearm safer storage. Strong state-level firearm legislation is associated with decreased rates of firearm injuries and death. This includes legislation focused on comprehensive firearm licensing strategies and extreme risk protection order laws. A firm commitment to confront this public health crisis with a multipronged approach engaging all stakeholders, including individuals, families, clinicians, health systems, communities, public health advocates, firearm owners and nonowners, and policy makers, is essential to address the worsening firearm crisis facing US youth today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois K Lee
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Eric W Fleegler
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Monika K Goyal
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kiesha Fraser Doh
- Division of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Danielle Laraque-Arena
- New York Academy of Medicine, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, Departments of Epidemiology and Pediatrics, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin D Hoffman
- Division of General Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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Naik-Mathuria B, McKay S. Pediatric Firearm Injury Advocacy. Curr Trauma Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40719-022-00243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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9
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Johnson BL, Chen PV, Beckworth KL, DeMello AS, Webb MW, Wesson DE, Naik-Mathuria BJ. The American Academy of Pediatrics firearm safety infographic improves firearm safety guidance: A qualitative study. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:1630-6. [PMID: 34593240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 800 children annually suffer unintentional firearm injuries and deaths from unsecured firearms in the United States. These injuries are preventable, and may be avoided by providing parents with firearm safety guidance (FSG). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of pediatric providers in delivering FSG following incorporation of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) infographic. METHODS Qualitative study completed July 2019-December 2019. Community pediatricians in Houston, Texas were provided the AAP firearm safety infographic and encouraged to provide FSG routinely during well-child visits with firearm-owning parents. Efficacy, feasibility of use and barriers to FSG were assessed via focus groups. Content analysis was utilized to identify emergent themes from provider experiences. RESULTS Forty-four pediatricians across eight clinics delivered FSG using the AAP infographic. Of these, thirty-four participated in focus groups discussing their experience. Only 34% of those in the focus groups had routinely provided FSG prior to the study. The AAP infographic was a useful tool because of its visibility, valuable information, and assistance with broaching the topic of firearm safety with parents. Three themes were identified from qualitative analysis: methods of successful delivery of FSG (62%), patient responses to FSG (25%), and barriers to delivery of FSG (13%). Parents were generally receptive to the guidance. CONCLUSIONS The AAP firearm safety infographic, which is free and publicly available, can be a valuable and satisfactory tool for delivery of firearm safety guidance by pediatric providers, including surgeons. Further study is needed to assess whether the guidance changes parental storage behaviors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level VI.
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10
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Barber C, Azrael D, Berrigan J, Betz ME, Brandspigel S, Runyan C, Salhi C, Vriniotis M, Miller M. Selection and Use of Firearm and Medication Locking Devices in a Lethal Means Counseling Intervention. Crisis 2022. [PMID: 35485394 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Barber
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Azrael
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Berrigan
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marian E Betz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sara Brandspigel
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carol Runyan
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carmel Salhi
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Vriniotis
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Miller
- Department of Health Policy, Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Health Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Johnson BL, Webb MW, DeMello AS, Bhalakia AM, Beckworth KL, Wesson DE, Naik-Mathuria B. Physician-driven or self-directed safe firearm storage guidance: Which one is best? J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:454-61. [PMID: 34088532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Access to firearms is a preventable cause of unintentional injury and suicide in children. Pediatric physicians provide injury prevention guidance, but firearm safety may not routinely be included. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of firearm safety guidance (FSG) provided by a physician. METHODS Prospective, randomized-controlled, trial assessing physician-delivered FSG at two pediatric clinics in Houston, Texas. Firearm-owning parents were randomized to physician guidance (PG) versus control (CG) groups. The CG received a handout with firearm safety facts and a free cable lock. The PG additionally received FSG by a physician. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were conducted. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two families participated; most (70%) were satisfied with the guidance. Pre-intervention safe firearm storage was high in both groups, and the intervention did not lead to improved habits in either group [PG: Pre 93% vs. Post 89%, p = 0.7 and CG: Pre 82% vs. 78%, p = 0.7].There was no difference in use of the free cable lock among groups (44% vs. 22%, p = 0.9). The PG demonstrated improved knowledge of the state child access protection law (PG: Pre 60% vs. Post 100% vs. CG: Pre 29% vs. Post 67%; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS For firearm-owning parents, physician-delivered safe storage guidance may not be more effective than self-directed guidance provided by a handout. A larger trial is underway to confirm the findings of this pilot study.
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12
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O'Neill KM, Jean RA, Dodington J, Davis K, Becher RD. Evaluation of Firearm-related Reinjury in Connecticut: An Opportunity for Gun Violence Prevention. J Surg Res 2022; 274:23-30. [PMID: 35121547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regional extent of the risk of repeat firearm-related injury (FRI) and homicide mortality for victims of firearm injury in Connecticut is unknown. In this study, we evaluate the risk of repeat firearm injury in survivors of firearm violence in Connecticut. METHODS Using medical record data from the Yale New Haven Health (YNHH) system and data from the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, we conducted a cohort study of patients with an FRI in 2014 to determine their risk of a repeat firearm injury or mortality from homicide in the ensuing 5 years compared with nonviolence-related trauma patient controls. RESULTS We identified 94 patients with an FRI in the YNHH system from 2014 who survived to discharge. Of these patients, 8.5% (8 of 94) had a repeat FRI and 2% (2 of 94) died from homicide within the next 5 years. Compared with nonviolence-related trauma patients from 2014 (n = 2001), those with an FRI had 12 times the odds of a repeat firearm injury (odds ratio: 12.0, P = 0.047) in the next 5 years after adjustment for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS Of the patients presenting with an initial FRI in the YNHH system, one in twelve will experience another firearm injury within the next 5 years. These data indicate that firearm-related reinjury is common in Connecticut and suggest the need for further violence prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M O'Neill
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Investigative Medicine Program, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Raymond A Jean
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - James Dodington
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kimberly Davis
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Robert D Becher
- Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Uspal NG, Jensen J, Sanchez-Erebia L, Strelitz B, Schloredt K, Gallagher C, Bradford MC, Bennett E, Paris CA. Emergent Mental Health Visits to a Pediatric Hospital: Impact on Firearm Storage Practices. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e1382-e1387. [PMID: 32205798 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to describe firearm storage practices in homes of patients evaluated for mental health (MH) complaints at a tertiary care children's hospital and to describe storage practice changes after treatment. METHODS We surveyed families of children with MH complaints presenting to the emergency department or psychiatry unit who stored firearms in their homes between February 12, 2016, and January 14, 2017. Patients and families received standard care, including routine counseling on limiting access to methods of suicide. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 7, and 30 days after discharge. The primary outcome was triple safe firearm storage-storage of firearms unloaded, locked, and with ammunition stored and locked separately. RESULTS Ninety-one household members of MH patients who stated they had firearms were enrolled at baseline. Seventy-seven (85%) completed at least 1 follow-up survey, and 63 (69%) completed both. At baseline, 21% (19/91) of participants reported engaging in triple safe firearm storage, 26% had an unlocked firearm, 23% had a loaded firearm, and 65% stored ammunition either unlocked or with their firearm. Triple safe storage rates increased to 31% at both 7 days and 30 days. Ten (17%) of 59 (P < 0.01) participants who did not report triple safe storage at baseline and completed a follow-up survey changed to reporting triple safe storage on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The majority of firearm-storing family members of children with MH complaints do not follow triple safe storage practices. Storage practices modestly improved after an emergent MH visit, but over two thirds of participants reported unsecured or partially secured firearms 7 and 30 days later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil G Uspal
- From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington
| | - Jennifer Jensen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Hospital
| | | | - Bonnie Strelitz
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Hospital
| | | | | | - Miranda C Bradford
- Children's Core for Biomedical Statistics, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
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14
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Abstract
Debate over safe-storage gun regulations has captured public attention in the aftermath of several high-profile shootings committed by minors. To date, the existing literature provides no evidence that these laws are effective at deterring gun crime, a conclusion that has prompted the National Rifle Association to assert that such regulations are "unnecessary" and "ineffective." Using data from the FBI's Supplementary Homicide Reports for the period 1985-2013, we find that child access prevention (CAP) laws are associated with a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides committed by juveniles. The estimated effect is stronger among whites than nonwhites and is driven by states enforcing the strictest safe-storage standard. We find no evidence that CAP laws are associated with firearm-related homicides committed by adults or with non-firearm-related homicides committed by juveniles, suggesting that the observed relationship between CAP laws and juvenile firearm-related homicides is causal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph J Sabia
- Director of the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies, San Diego State University, and IZA
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15
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Uspal NG, Strelitz B, Cappetto K, Tsogoo A, Jensen J, Rutman LE, Schloredt K, Bradford MC, Bennett E, Paris CA. Impact of a Firearm Safety Device Distribution Intervention on Storage Practices After an Emergent Mental Health Visit. Acad Pediatr 2021; 21:1209-17. [PMID: 33945885 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if providing firearm storage devices with training during clinical care improves safe storage practices in household members of children who present to a pediatric hospital with an emergent mental health complaint. METHODS Prospective, pre-post study. Enrollment occurred in the emergency department or the inpatient psychiatric unit. Participants in the observation phase received usual care. Participants in the intervention phase were randomized to be offered a firearm storage device at either no or low ($5) cost and trained in its use. We surveyed participants at enrollment, 7, & 30 days post visit. Our primary outcome was triple-safe storage (TSS) - storing firearms unloaded, locked, and with ammunition stored and locked separately. RESULTS About 256 participants enrolled. In the observation phase TSS increased from 21% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14%-30%) at baseline to 31% (95% CI 21%-42%) at 7 and 31% (95% CI 21%-43%) at 30 days. In the intervention phase, TSS increased from 32% (95% CI 25%-39%) at baseline to 56% (95% CI 48%-64%) at 7 and 56% (95% CI 47%-64%) at 30 days. Among those not practicing TSS at baseline, 7-day TSS was higher in the intervention (38%) versus the observation phase (14%, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS Distribution and training in the use of firearm storage devices increased TSS in the study population, improves pediatric safety and should be part of the routine care of these high-risk patients.
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Richards JE, Hohl SD, Segal CD, Grossman DC, Lee AK, Whiteside U, Luce C, Ludman EJ, Simon G, Penfold RB, Williams EC. "What Will Happen If I Say Yes?" Perspectives on a Standardized Firearm Access Question Among Adults With Depressive Symptoms. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:898-904. [PMID: 33940947 PMCID: PMC8328914 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Addressing firearm access is recommended when patients are identified as being at risk of suicide. However, the practice of assessing firearm access is controversial, and no national guidelines exist to inform practice. This study qualitatively explored patient perspectives on a routine question about firearm access to optimize the patient centeredness of this practice in the context of suicide risk. METHODS Electronic health record data were used to identify primary care patients reporting depressive symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, within 2 weeks of sampling. Participants completed a semistructured telephone interview (recorded and transcribed), which focused broadly on the experience of being screened for suicidality and included specific questions to elicit beliefs and opinions about being asked a standard firearm access question. Directive (deductive) and conventional (inductive) content analysis was used to analyze responses to the portion of the interview focused on firearm assessment and disclosure. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients in Washington State ages 20-95 completed the qualitative interview by phone. Organizing themes included apprehensions about disclosing access to firearms related to privacy, autonomy, and firearm ownership rights; perceptions regarding relevance of the firearm question, informed by experiences with suicidality and common beliefs and misconceptions about the inevitability of suicide; and suggestions for connecting questions about firearms and other lethal means to suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS Clarifying the purpose and use of routine firearm access assessment, contextualizing firearm questions within injury prevention broadly, and addressing misconceptions about suicide prevention may help encourage disclosure of firearm access and increase the patient centeredness of this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Richards
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Sarah D Hohl
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Courtney D Segal
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - David C Grossman
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Amy K Lee
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Ursula Whiteside
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Casey Luce
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Evette J Ludman
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Greg Simon
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Robert B Penfold
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
| | - Emily C Williams
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle (Richards, Grossman, Lee, Luce, Ludman, Simon, Penfold); Department of Health Services (Richards, Hohl, Segal, Penfold, Williams) and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Whiteside, Simon), University of Washington, Seattle; NowMattersNow.org, Seattle (Whiteside); Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle (Williams); Department of Preventive Care, Kaiser Permanente Washington (Grossman)
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Lam E, Moreno M, Bennett E, Rowhani-Rahbar A. Receptiveness and Responsiveness Toward Using Social Media for Safe Firearm Storage Outreach: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24458. [PMID: 34142974 PMCID: PMC8277364 DOI: 10.2196/24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood and adolescent firearm injury and death rates have increased over the past decade and remain major public health concerns in the United States. Safe firearm storage has proven to be an effective measure to prevent firearm injury and death among youth. Social media has been used as an avenue to promote safe firearm storage, but perceptions of this tool remain unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to determine receptiveness and responsiveness in promoting firearm lock box and trigger lock giveaway events on social media, and to describe the characteristics of participants who learned of these events through social media. Methods We performed a mixed methods study combining a content analysis of Facebook event post comments, quantitative analysis of positive and negative feedback on social media, and a descriptive analysis of event participant characteristics. Through a qualitative content analysis approach, we thematically coded comments from each event’s social media page posting. Interrater reliability and κ statistics were calculated. We calculated the prevalence of positive and negative feedback data. Further, we calculated descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics gathered from day-of-event intake surveys. Differences between collected measures were analyzed with χ2 and t tests according to how the participant found out about the event (social media vs other means). Using concurrent analysis, we synthesized the results from both the qualitative and quantitative aims. Results Through qualitative content analysis, 414 comments from 13 events were coded. Seven themes emerged through the comment coding process with the most common being “positive receptiveness” (294/414, 71.0%). From quantitative analysis of the social media content, we found higher levels of positive feedback compared to negative feedback. The average number of event post “likes” was 1271.3 per event, whereas the average count in which “hide post” was clicked was 72.3 times per event. Overall, 35.9% (1457/4054) of participants found out about the event through social media. The participants who learned about the event through social media were on average significantly younger than those who learned about the event through other means (–6.4 years, 95% CI –5.5 to –7.3). Among the group that learned of the event through social media, 43.9% (629/1433) identified as female, whereas 35.5% (860/2420) identified as female among the group that learned of the event through other means. Conclusions There was overall positive receptiveness and responsiveness toward firearm lock box and trigger lock giveaway events when promoted on social media. Compared with other promotional tools, social media has the ability to reach those who are younger and those who identify as female. Future studies should extend this research to determine whether there is a difference between rural and urban settings, and consider other social media platforms in the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lam
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Megan Moreno
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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18
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Fraser Doh K, Sheline E, Wetzel M, Simon HK, Morris CR. Comparison of cost and resource utilization between firearm injuries and motor vehicle collisions at pediatric hospitals. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:630-638. [PMID: 33599028 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Firearm injuries are converging with motor vehicle collisions (MVC) as the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Thus we examine differences in hospital cost and hospital resource utilization between motor vehicle and firearm injury. METHODS This retrospective, cross-sectional study compares hospital costs and resource utilization of motor vehicle and firearm-injured children aged 0 to 19 years of age over a 5-year time frame (January 1, 2013-December 31, 2017) in 35 freestanding children's hospitals that submitted data to the Pediatric Health Information System. The primary outcome was hospital-adjusted comparative cost per patient presentation. Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify the relationship between the type of injury and each outcome, adjusting for patient characteristics and hospital. RESULTS There were 89,133 emergency department (ED) visits attributed to MVCs and 3,235 for firearm injury. Of the youths who presented for firearm injury, 49% were hospitalized versus 14% of youths presenting with MVC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.1 to 7.2). Youths with firearm injury were more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (aOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 5.9 to 7.7) and had longer lengths of stays (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.9 to 2.6) compared to their MVC counterparts. Children admitted for firearm injury had more imaging and ED return visits, along with subsequent inpatient admission within 3 days (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1 to 5.5) and 1 year (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.1 to 2.9). The mean relative per-patient costs were nearly fivefold higher for the firearm-injured group. CONCLUSIONS Hospital costs and markers of resource utilization were higher for youths with firearm injury compared to MVC. High medical resource utilization is one of several important reasons to advocate for a comparable national focus and funding on firearm-related injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiesha Fraser Doh
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Erica Sheline
- Department of Pediatrics University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Martha Wetzel
- Department of Pediatrics Biostatistics Core Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Harold K. Simon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Claudia R. Morris
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta Georgia USA
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19
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Jennissen CA, Wetjen KM, Wymore CC, Stange NR, Denning GM, Liao J, Wood KE. Firearm Exposure and Storage Practices in the Homes of Rural Adolescents. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:498-509. [PMID: 34125019 PMCID: PMC8202998 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2021.3.50263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rural areas have higher rates of firearm-related unintentional and suicide deaths. Having access to a firearm greatly increases suicide risk. Safe firearm storage can be a major factor in preventing these tragedies. In this study we evaluated firearm exposure and storage practices in rural adolescents’ homes. Methods An anonymous survey was administered to a convenience sample of attendees at the 2019 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference. We performed descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 1,382 adolescents participated; 51% were males and 49% were females. Respondents were 13–18 years old, and 53% lived on a farm, 18% in the country/not on a farm, and 29% in town. Almost all (96%) self-identified as White/Caucasian. In their homes, 84% reported having rifles/shotguns, 58% reported having handguns, and 56% reported having both rifles/shotguns and handguns. Males were significantly more likely than females to report having firearms in their home (P<0.001). The likelihood of having rifles/shotguns was greater if living on a farm (odds ratio (OR) 4.19, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.99–5.88) or in the country/not a farm (OR 2.74, 95% CI, 1.78–4.24) compared to those in town. Similarly, the presence of handguns in the home was increased if living on a farm compared to in town (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.32–2.18). Rifles/shotguns and handguns were stored unlocked and/or loaded at least some of the time in 62% and 58% of homes, respectively. Those who lived on farms compared to in towns were more likely to have rifles/shotguns (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.35–2.46) and handguns (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.10–2.27) stored unlocked. For homes with unlocked rifles/shotguns, 46% stored ammunition unlocked. For homes with unlocked handguns, 38% stored ammunition unlocked. Among those aware of firearm storage in their home, 82% (802/974) reported at least one firearm stored either unlocked and/or loaded at least some of the time. Conclusion The vast majority of rural adolescents we surveyed live in homes with firearms, and a large proportion of those firearms are not stored safely. Widespread efforts are needed to educate rural families about the importance of proper firearm and ammunition storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Jennissen
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.,University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kristel M Wetjen
- University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Cole C Wymore
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Gerene M Denning
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Junlin Liao
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Surgery, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kelly E Wood
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Iowa City, Iowa
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20
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Abstract
Firearms contribute substantially to leading causes of death among US children ages 10-19 (suicide and homicide). Safe storage of guns is important but poorly adopted. This study sought to understand knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and firearm storage practices among parents living in households with firearms. Focus groups (FG) were conducted with gun-owning parents/guardians in three US states with high firearm ownership. Participants also completed an anonymous survey which included demographic characteristics, previous gun education, purpose of gun ownership, and storage practices. Eight FG were conducted with 57 parents. 74% of participants stored at least one firearm unlocked, with many loaded. Overall risk perception for firearm injury was low. Many participants believed modeling responsible use within the family would demystify the presence of a firearm and decrease accidental shootings. There was strong perception that safe storage interferes with personal protection needs, especially for handguns. Trigger locks were considered a nuisance and rarely used. Parents were confident in their youth's ability to handle guns safely and did not believe that safe storage would deter suicide. Preferred messengers for safe storage education were military or law enforcement rather than physicians. Participants advocated for safe storage education paired with hands-on use education. Gun-owning parents supported safety education and endorsed education from nonmedical sources. Education about suicide prevention may improve adoption of safe storage by parents. These results will inform the development of a firearm safe storage campaign with improved acceptability for communities with high firearms use and ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Aitken
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA. .,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA. .,Injury Prevention Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.
| | - Samantha D Minster
- Injury Prevention Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Samantha H Mullins
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Injury Prevention Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Heather M Hirsch
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Injury Prevention Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Purnima Unni
- Pediatric Surgery/Trauma, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kathy Monroe
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35209, USA
| | - Beverly K Miller
- Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.,Injury Prevention Center, Arkansas Children's Hospital, #1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
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21
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Burrell TD, Voegtline KM, Mistry KB. An Association Between Maternal Intimate Partner Physical Violence and a Loaded Firearm in the Home. J Interpers Violence 2021; 36:NP4495-NP4513. [PMID: 30003824 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518786503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A loaded firearm in the home increases the risk of firearm-related mortality. Furthermore, firearms are often used in fatal cases of intimate partner physical violence (IPPV) during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Young children are often caught in the crossfire. Although firearms are more prevalent in homes with IPPV compared with homes without IPPV, little is known about the relationship between a loaded firearm and maternal IPPV. The objective was to determine whether maternal IPPV in the context of additional psychosocial factors is associated with a loaded firearm in the home. We analyzed population-based survey data (2004-2011) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in eight states for which questions on firearms were included. Chi-square analysis of independence was used to determine differences between mothers reporting both IPPV and a loaded firearm to mothers reporting IPPV only or a loaded firearm only. Multivariable weighted logistic regression examined the association between IPPV and presence of a loaded firearm in the home (adjusting for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors). Of the 43,845 mothers in our sample, 5.3% mothers reported storing a loaded firearm in the home and 6.7% reported maternal IPPV. Among mothers reporting IPPV, 5% also reported a loaded firearm. When adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics only, maternal IPPV was significantly associated with storing a loaded firearm in the home (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01, 1.91]). However, after additionally considering psychosocial factors, there was no longer a statistically significant association between maternal IPPV and storing a loaded firearm in the home (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI = [0.93, 1.84]). Contextual factors play an important role in understanding the complex relationship between maternal IPPV and the presence of a loaded firearm in the home, and maternal IPPV should be considered in efforts to promote firearm safety.
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22
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Stager LM, Swanson M, Hahn E, Schwebel DC. Caregiver worry and injury hazards in the daily lives of Ugandan children. J Inj Violence Res 2021; 13:39-46. [PMID: 33495427 PMCID: PMC8142333 DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v13i1.1515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Over 95% of unintentional injury-related childhood deaths globally occur in low- and middle-income countries, such as Uganda. Risks for injury in settings like rural Uganda are vastly understudied despite differing patterns of child injury risk. The present study investigated the prevalence and type of hazards in children’s environments in rural Uganda, as well as the relationship between hazard exposure and parent attitudes and perceptions regarding unintentional injury. Methods: Our sample included 152 primary caregivers in Eastern Rural Uganda who had children in either 1st or 6th grade. All parents/guardians completed caregiver surveys following verbal instructions. Surveys assessed demographic information, child hazard exposure, and parent beliefs regarding child injury. Results: Almost all parents (98.5%) reported daily exposure for their children to at least one of the hazards assessed. Caregiver's perceived likelihood of child injury was positively related to hazard exposure (r = .21, p less than .05). This relationship remained significant when controlling for family demographics, child grade level, and child injury history (F (7, 126) = 2.25, p less than .05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that Ugandan parents are aware of the risks of children’s exposure to hazards, but may lack the tools to address it. Development of injury prevention interventions focusing on behavioral change techniques may help reduce childhood injury and injury-related deaths in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Stager
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Marissa Swanson
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Emma Hahn
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David C Schwebel
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Davidson JE, Ye G, Deskins F, Rizzo H, Moutier C, Zisook S. Exploring nurse suicide by firearms: A mixed-method longitudinal (2003-2017) analysis of death investigations. Nurs Forum 2020; 56:264-272. [PMID: 33345325 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously it was noted that firearm use by nurses in suicide was changing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suicide dataset contains investigation narratives that no researcher has analyzed and may provide context to inform suicide prevention. OBJECTIVE Explore firearm deaths in nurse suicide. Second, test topic modeling techniques to analyze investigation narratives. METHODS/STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Mixed-method retrospective analysis of 739 nurse versus 94,838 nonnurse suicides. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to determine relative incidence. After tokenization and stop word removal, Latent Dirichlet Analysis and Latent Semantic Indexing topic modeling techniques were applied. Topics were evaluated for clinical significance and content analysis performed. RESULTS Aim 1: Female nurses used firearms significantly less often than other females between 2003 and 2013 (OR: 0.71; p < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.23%-9.83%). A rise in nurse firearm use occurred between 2014 and 2017; with rates now similar to nonnurse females (OR: 0.98; p = .7574; 95% CI: -2.68 to 3.49). Clinically relevant topics identified by topic modeling: preventable deaths, chronic pain, and job loss before suicide. CONCLUSIONS From this research we know that work-related issues in nurse suicides by firearms center around chronic pain, substance use, and job loss. The codes tied to suicidal ideation, previous attempt and/or depression, represented preventable deaths because it is known that if a weapon is removed from the home in these situations a suicide can be aborted. The change in firearm use warrants nurse education regarding firearm safety and suicide prevention. Topic modeling holds promise in focusing analyses of suicide investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy E Davidson
- Department of Nursing Education, Research and Development, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gordon Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sidney Zisook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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DeMello AS, Rosenfeld EH, Whitaker B, Wesson DE, Naik-Mathuria BJ. Keeping Children Safe at Home: Parent Perspectives to Firearms Safety Education Delivered by Pediatric Providers. South Med J 2020; 113:219-223. [PMID: 32358616 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to assess parent acceptance of firearms education delivered by clinical providers, determine whether parents engage in firearms safety dialog with their children, and evaluate reasons for ownership and storage behaviors. METHODS The parents of children ages 0 to 18 years completed surveys while in a pediatric inpatient setting in Texas. Demographics, acceptability, current behaviors, and storage practices were queried. Responses between firearms owners and nonowners were analyzed using the Fisher exact and χ2 tests. RESULTS Of the 115 parents who completed surveys, 41% reported owning firearms. Most parents were likely or highly likely to follow their pediatrician's gun safety advice (67%), were accepting of safety videos in waiting rooms (59%), and accepted firearms locks distributed by clinical providers (69%). Nonowners were less likely than owners to have spoken to their children about gun safety (P = 0.004). Parents owned firearms for self-protection and recreation (50%), self-protection only (38%), or recreation only (12%). Owners stored them unloaded (75%), used safety devices (95%), and stored them in the closet of the master bedroom (54%). CONCLUSIONS Talking about firearms safety in a healthcare setting was not a contentious issue in the majority of our sample. Parents were accepting of provider-led firearms guidance regardless of ownership status. This provides an opportunity for providers to focus on effective messaging and time-efficient delivery of firearms safety education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalyn S DeMello
- From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Eric H Rosenfeld
- From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Brian Whitaker
- From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - David E Wesson
- From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bindi J Naik-Mathuria
- From the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Ngo QM, Sigel E, Moon A, Stein SF, Massey LS, Rivara F, King C, Ilgen M, Cunningham R, Walton MA. State of the science: a scoping review of primary prevention of firearm injuries among children and adolescents. J Behav Med 2019; 42:811-829. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-019-00043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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26
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Simonetti JA, Simeona C, Gallagher C, Bennett E, Rivara FP, Rowhani-Rahbar A. Preferences for Firearm Locking Devices and Device Features Among Participants in a Firearm Safety Event. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:552-556. [PMID: 31316693 PMCID: PMC6625681 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2019.5.42727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Safe firearm storage is associated with a lower risk of firearm-related injury and death. Although providing firearm locking devices is a key component of firearm safety interventions, little is known about the types and characteristics of devices preferred by firearm users or others who make decisions about firearm storage. The aim of this study was to describe preferences for firearm locking devices and device features among firearm safety event participants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the State of Washington in 2016 that assessed participants’ preferences for five firearm locking devices (eg, trigger lock) and seven device features (eg, quick access). We categorized respondents (n=401) as adults in households with 1) all firearms locked, 2) at least one unlocked firearm, and 3) no firearms. We analyzed data in 2017. Results Device ownership and feature preferences varied substantially but were similar across the three household categories. Of those residing with unlocked firearms, 84% reported they would consider using or definitely use a lock box, whereas 11% reported they would never use a trigger lock. Additionally, of those residing with unlocked firearms, 80% and 89% reported that the ability to lock a firearm while loaded and unlock it quickly were, respectively, “very important” or “absolutely essential.” Conclusion Participants had differing preferences for firearm locking devices and device features, although preferences were largely similar across households with locked, unlocked, or no firearms. At least eight in ten participants reported “great importance” regarding the ability to lock a firearm while loaded and unlock it quickly, which is likely related to perceptions about the utility of safely stored firearms for household protection. Designing firearm safety interventions to match the needs and preferences of those who make firearm storage decisions may improve their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Simonetti
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado.,University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | | | - Frederick P Rivara
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, Washington.,University of Washington, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Firearm injuries and fatalities among children are an important public health problem. Children living with an adult misusing alcohol may be at a heightened risk for self-harm or unintentional injury, highlighting the need to investigate the association between household firearm storage and adult alcohol misuse. OBJECTIVES To characterize household firearm presence among children by various sociodemographic characteristics, and to assess the association between children living in a home with an unsafely stored firearm and an adult reporting alcohol misuse. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional investigation uses data from the 2013 and 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in the state of Washington, a program that administers a telephone survey statewide to randomly selected noninstitutionalized adults at least 18 years of age about their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. The 2013 and 2016 data included 5241 responses to the firearm ownership and storage module and the Random Child Selection module (intended for a randomly selected child younger than age 18 years and reported by an adult living in the same household). Data for this study were collected from January 1 through December 31, 2013, and January 1 through December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed from March through May 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were a child's residence in a firearm-owning home, the manner in which household firearms were stored, and the adult respondent's alcohol consumption. RESULTS Among the 3443 children living in a non-firearm-owning household, 50.7% were male (all values given as a percentage only are weighted); among those reporting specific age, the weighted mean age was 9.3 years (unweighted mean [SD], 10.1 [5.2] years). In the 1756 children living in a firearm-owning household, 52.5% were male; among those reporting specific age, the weighted mean age was 9.1 years (unweighted mean [SD], 9.8 [5.4] years). An estimated 470 000 children (29.4%; 95% CI, 27.3%-31.7%) in the state resided in a firearm-owning household. Among them, 258 000 children (54.6%; 95% CI, 51.5%-57.6%) lived with at least 1 firearm that was not stored safely (ie, not locked and unloaded). Firearms were more likely to be stored unsafely in homes in which an adult reported alcohol misuse (prevalence ratio: 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children living in a household with an adult who misuses alcohol may be more likely to live with an unsafely stored firearm, which is concerning given the association between adult alcohol misuse and children's risk for sustaining injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R. Morgan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Anthony Gomez
- Injury and Violence Prevention Unit, Public Health–Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington
| | - Frederick P. Rivara
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
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Simonetti JA, Azrael D, Rowhani-Rahbar A, Miller M. Firearm Storage Practices Among American Veterans. Am J Prev Med 2018; 55:445-454. [PMID: 30166080 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interventions that reduce access to highly lethal and commonly used methods of suicide (e.g., limiting firearm access) are considered essential elements of effective suicide prevention programs. Scant epidemiologic data are available to inform such efforts among Veterans. The aim of this study is to describe firearm storage practices and correlates of those practices among a nationally representative sample of U.S. Veteran firearm owners. METHODS The authors used a probability-based online survey of Veteran firearm owners in 2015 (data analyzed in 2017; 54.6% response rate). The primary outcome was firearm storage practices. Additional items assessed individual and household-level sociodemographic characteristics, firearm-related characteristics, and risk perceptions related to firearm ownership. RESULTS One in three (33.3%, 95% CI=28.6%, 38.4%) Veteran firearm owners stores at least one firearm loaded and unlocked. The prevalence of this practice ranges substantially (9%-65%) across individual, household, and firearm ownership characteristics, and is strongly related to other firearm-related behaviors (e.g., carrying handguns); reasons for firearm ownership (e.g., protection versus other); number of firearms owned; and perceptions about the utility of guns stored safely and whether guns make homes safer. CONCLUSIONS Storing a firearm loaded and unlocked is common among Veterans. Storage practices are strongly related to reasons for ownership and potentially malleable perceptions including beliefs about firearm-related risks. Suicide prevention initiatives among Veterans should incorporate communication strategies that address common misperceptions about household firearm risk and whether safe storage practices may better align with reasons most Veterans own firearms (i.e., safety)-especially when someone in their home is at increased risk for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Simonetti
- Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, Colorado; Division of Hospital Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Deborah Azrael
- Harvard Injury Control Research Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Matthew Miller
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouv College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Herrin BR, Gaither JR, Leventhal JM, Dodington J. Rural Versus Urban Hospitalizations for Firearm Injuries in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2017-3318. [PMID: 29967056 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-3318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : media-1vid110.1542/5789654953001PEDS-VA_2017-3318Video Abstract OBJECTIVES: Firearms are a leading cause of injury and death for children and adolescents in the United States. We examined how hospitalization rates for firearm injuries differ for rural and urban populations. METHODS The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to identify hospitalizations for firearm injuries in patients <20 years of age by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision external-cause-of-injury codes. Data from 2006, 2009, and 2012 were analyzed to compare demographics and intent (assault, self-inflicted, unintentional, and undetermined). Urban-rural classification was based on patients' county of residence. Rates were calculated by using weighted cases and US Census data. RESULTS There were 21 581 hospitalizations for firearm injuries. The overall hospitalization rate was higher in urban versus rural areas (risk ratio [RR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-2.10). Rates were highest for assaults in urban 15- to 19-year-olds (RR = 7.82; 95% CI: 6.48-9.44). Unintentional injuries were the leading cause of hospitalizations in younger age groups in all urban and rural locations. Rates for unintentional injuries were lower among urban versus rural 5- to 9-year-olds (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.36-0.63) and 10- to 14-year-olds (RR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.37-0.52). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalizations for firearm assaults among urban 15- to 19-year-olds represent the highest injury rate. Notably, hospitalizations are lower for urban versus rural 5- to 9-year-olds and 10- to 14-year-olds, and unintentional firearm injuries are most common among these groups. Preventative public health approaches should address these differences in injury epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Dodington
- Departments of Pediatrics and .,Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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Morgan ER, Gomez A, Rowhani-Rahbar A. Firearm Ownership, Storage Practices, and Suicide Risk Factors in Washington State, 2013-2016. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:882-888. [PMID: 29771611 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2018.304403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize firearm ownership and storage practices in Washington State and assess their relationship with suicide risk factors. METHODS Using Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for 2013 to 2016, we conducted survey-weighted multivariable Poisson regression models to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Of 34 884 adult respondents, 34.3% (95% CI = 33.7%, 35.0%) reported a firearm in their household, among whom 36.6% (95% CI = 35.4%, 37.7%) stored their firearm locked and unloaded. There were no differences in mental health indicators by firearm ownership or storage practice status. Binge and chronic alcohol use were somewhat more prevalent among adults from firearm-owning households (PR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.3; PR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.4, respectively) and among those living in households not practicing safe storage (PR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7; PR = 1.9; 1.5, 2.3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Variability in mental health does not explain the substantial increased suicide risk among individuals in firearm-owning households. Greater prevalence of alcohol misuse among adults in firearm-owning households not practicing safe storage highlights the need for suicide prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Renee Morgan
- Erin Renee Morgan and Ali Rowhani-Rahbar are with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and the Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle. Anthony Gomez is with the Injury and Violence Prevention Unit, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
| | - Anthony Gomez
- Erin Renee Morgan and Ali Rowhani-Rahbar are with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and the Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle. Anthony Gomez is with the Injury and Violence Prevention Unit, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
| | - Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
- Erin Renee Morgan and Ali Rowhani-Rahbar are with the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and the Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle. Anthony Gomez is with the Injury and Violence Prevention Unit, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
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Runyan CW, Brooks-Russell A, Tung G, Brandspigel S, Betz ME, Novins DK, Agans R. Hospital Emergency Department Lethal Means Counseling for Suicidal Patients. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:259-65. [PMID: 29248278 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lethal means counseling of suicidal individuals in emergency departments has the potential to reduce suicide. This study examines the provision of lethal means counseling and the presence of written protocols in a region with high rates of both firearm ownership and suicide. METHODS In 2015-2016, emergency department nurse managers in hospital-based emergency departments throughout eight states were surveyed using an 80-item survey developed through qualitative interviews and pilot testing. Questions focused on discharge counseling with suicidal patients and the presence of written protocols. Using survey weights to adjust for nonresponse, relationships of protocols with counseling practices were examined. RESULTS Data were obtained from 52.3% of all 363 eligible hospital emergency departments in the region. Among facilities that discharge suicidal patients, 79.7% (95% CI=75.0%, 84.4%) reported asking about access to firearms and 68.9% (95% CI=62.9%, 74.8%) counsel about safe storage when patients reported access. Forty-four percent of emergency departments reported having written protocols for lethal means counseling. Presence of written protocols was associated with a higher rate of counseling for all suicidal patients even if they were not planning to use a gun (45.0% [95% CI=33.4%, 56.7%] in hospitals with protocols vs 21.5% [95% CI=14.9%, 29.0%] in facilities without protocols). CONCLUSIONS There are significant gaps in attention to lethal means counseling in emergency departments. This signals an opportunity to increase consistency and thoroughness of care for suicidal patients in the emergency department and for leadership from key professional organizations to advocate for protocols.
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Betz ME, Kautzman M, Segal DL, Miller I, Camargo CA Jr, Boudreaux ED, Arias SA. Frequency of lethal means assessment among emergency department patients with a positive suicide risk screen. Psychiatry Res 2018; 260:30-5. [PMID: 29169036 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prior work from surveys and limited populations suggests many emergency department (ED) patients with suicide risk do not have documented lethal means assessments (e.g., being asked about home firearms). The specific objectives of this study were to, in an ED with universal screening for suicide risk: (1) estimate how often ED providers documented lethal means assessment for suicidal patients, and (2) compare patients with and without documented lethal means assessments. We reviewed 800 total charts from a random sample of adults in three a priori age groups (18-34 years; 35-59 years; ≥ 60 years) with a positive suicide risk screen from 8/2014 to 12/2015. Only 18% (n = 145) had documentation by ≥ 1 provider of assessment of lethal means access. Among these 145, only 8% (n = 11) had documentation that someone discussed an action plan to reduce access (most commonly changing home storage or moving objects out of the home). Among 545 suicidal patients discharged home from the ED, 85% had no documentation that any provider assessed access to lethal means. Our findings highlight an important area for improving care: routine, documented lethal means assessment and counseling for patients with suicide risk. There is an urgent need for further exploration of barriers and facilitators.
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