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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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