Articles tagged with Firearms
A global analysis of firearm suicide data found that deaths from self-inflicted shootings decreased worldwide between 1990 and 2019. However, an increase in firearm suicides was observed in 31 countries, particularly in developing nations, suggesting a need for targeted public health efforts to reduce these deaths.
Adolescents with access to firearms have a 1.5 times higher odds of prior suicide attempt and current suicidal ideation, according to the study. Over 40% of adolescents presenting to the ED had moderate to severe depressive symptoms and access to a gun.
Researchers investigated patterns of reported suicidal thoughts, planning, and behavior among firearm owners compared to non-owners. The study found a significant association between gun ownership and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.
Researchers say expanded inquiries can save lives by identifying vulnerable individuals who may not be reporting suicidal ideation. Tailoring assessments to individual situations can help medical professionals uncover hidden risks and prevent tragedies.
The ARRS annual meeting provides an updated primer on imaging ballistic injuries, which helps guide radiologists' interpretation. This includes understanding mechanisms of ballistic trauma and injury patterns to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
Firearm injuries and associated healthcare costs are highest in the poorer South, but federal state programmes cover only a third of these expenses. The researchers argue that this is tantamount to an 'anti-poor policy'.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.
A study of 9.5 million California women found that acquiring a handgun by a cohabitant sharply increased the risk of suicide among women living in handgun-free homes. Women who lived in households without handgun owners had a significantly lower rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to those with cohabitants owning firearms.
Handgun carrying rates have risen significantly among US adolescents, particularly White, rural, and higher income teens. In contrast, Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native, and lower-income adolescents have seen a decrease in carriage rates over the same timeframe.
Firearm-related deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children under 19, with a widening racial gap. Secure gun storage counseling and hospital-based violence intervention programs show promise for prevention and reduction of all three categories of gun violence.
A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...
A new study found that non-White children experienced greater exposure to neighborhood firearm violence before the pandemic and saw an increase in disparities during COVID. The study quantified racial disparities in childhood exposure to gun violence with data from every US neighborhood.
A new study found California's GVRO law had no impact on reducing firearm violence in San Diego County during its first four years. The researchers suggest individual-level benefits may exist for those directly affected by the law.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
Researchers examined handgun carrying patterns among rural youths, finding higher rates than expected in some areas. The study's results have implications for gun violence prevention strategies.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.
A survey study found that firearm ownership is prevalent among individuals with major depressive symptoms, suggesting a need for focused interventions to mitigate suicidal behavior. The study highlights the importance of addressing firearm access and use in individuals with mental health conditions.
A study has found that lead poisoning from gun ammunition has suppressed the populations of birds of prey across Europe, resulting in a loss of around 55,000 adult birds. The impact is particularly significant for species like eagles and Red Kites, which are long-lived and breed later in life.
A Rutgers study found that individuals who die by suicide with a firearm are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts to others but less likely to seek mental health treatment. Approximately 90% of firearm-related suicides result in death, compared to less than 5% for other methods.
A Rutgers study identifies reliable sources for firearm safety information among subgroups of gun owners. Family members and law enforcement are consistently ranked as credible, while celebrities and NRA representatives are less trusted.
A study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior reveals subgroups of firearm owners in the United States who can be trusted to discuss safe storage. The study found that certain groups, such as those owning multiple firearms or shotguns and rifles, may require more individualized conversations about safe storage.
A new study found that neighborhood-level gun violence dynamics in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to changes in drug market and police activity. Average shooting rates increased after the pandemic began, but this increase occurred at different rates for different neighborhoods.
Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.
A survey study analyzed responses from the 2021 National Firearms Survey to examine firearm storage practices in US households with children. The findings suggest that many households do not store firearms safely, posing a significant risk of accidents and injuries.
A Rutgers study suggests that delivering accurate gun safety messages from credible news sources can shape American attitudes toward gun violence. Researchers found that participants perceived headlines more accurately if they trusted the source, highlighting the importance of credible media portrayal in gun violence prevention.
This study evaluates the relationship between 'Stand Your Ground' laws and homicide rates in the US. The analysis found that states with more restrictive laws had lower rates of firearm homicides, highlighting a possible link between self-defense laws and gun violence.
Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm injuries increased significantly in Massachusetts, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic men. The study found that unemployed individuals from these groups were more likely to experience firearm injuries, highlighting the need for targeted violence prevention services.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
A Northwestern University study finds that a two-year pause in state funding contributed to the 2016 surge in Chicago youth homicides. The research suggests that restoring funding could be key to reducing violence among young people.
A new study by UC Davis Professor Garen Wintemute found that two-thirds of Californians have a direct personal stake in gun violence, with many experiencing violence through hearing gunshots or encountering memorials. The research suggests experiences of violence can permeate communities and may inform public policy and education.
Researchers found that handgun buyers with IPV history are at higher risk of committing subsequent violent crimes, including murder, rape, and robbery. The study highlights concerns about the effectiveness of background checks in preventing such cases.
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.
A new UC Davis study tracks firearm violence, assault, and homicide in 13 major US cities by zip code, revealing stark disparities. Firearm violence increased 29.3%, homicides by 27.7%, while robberies decreased 23.3% and rapes by 31.4% during the first five months of the pandemic.
A new publication sheds light on how words used in relation to firearm injuries and deaths can impact prevention efforts. The authors emphasize the need for shared, informed, non-judgmental language to create trust and sustainable collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the public.
A RAND Corporation survey of 173 gun policy researchers found strikingly polarized views on the merits of various policies, with differing estimates of their effects on firearm homicides and suicides. The study highlights areas where experts agree and disagreements exist, providing a roadmap for future research to resolve uncertainties.
A Rutgers study of 3,500 adults found that those who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge tend to be more sensitive to threats and have less emotional control. This suggests that individuals prone to impulsivity may buy firearms as a coping mechanism for stress.
A study of four US states finds that Black people are more likely to be nonfatally shot and injured by police, with disparities greater than seen for fatal shootings. The research highlights the need for comprehensive data on police shootings to draw reliable conclusions about racial disparities.
The University of Arkansas will receive a grant to analyze gun crime patterns in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the goal of reducing frequency of violence. The researchers aim to understand where, when, and at what frequency gun crime occurs to inform evidence-driven practices.
A Rutgers study found that people who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, with 56% experiencing lifetime thoughts and 42% in the past year. The study highlights the need for safe storage policies and suicide risk screening during firearm purchases.
A new study by a criminology professor reveals an uptick in homicides and threats of gun violence since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Victim advocates reported increased frequency of gun-related abuse, with nearly half stating threats became more frequent during this time.
A study by a researcher at American University found that Massachusetts gun-control legislation had no immediate impact on reducing four types of violent crime, including murder, aggravated assault, and robbery. The study suggests that lawmakers should revisit their legislation to ensure it is being implemented as intended.
A study found that gun violence rates in the US increased by 31.2% during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. The authors speculate that increased access to firearms and depressive symptoms may be contributing factors.
A cross-sectional study found a correlation between rural geography and easy access to handguns, leading to higher risks of suicidality among Colorado teenagers. The findings can inform the allocation of educational firearm safety and suicide prevention resources in the state.
Research shows that staff training programs and gun safety educational materials increase doctor/parent conversations about gun safety, leading to safer storage practices and reduced firearm injuries. Pediatricians who received training and support were more likely to counsel parents on gun safety, resulting in improved firearm screeni...
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.
Researchers at the University of Colorado will test an online decision aid to improve firearm safety for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to reduce firearm injuries and deaths while promoting older adult independence and autonomy.
A new study from the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center shows that physical disorder in Detroit doesn't lead to a steep increase in violent crime. The study's findings suggest that community-driven efforts to rebuild and remake rundown neighborhoods can be effective in reducing disorder and fear.
A new study found that increasing mental health workforce capacity can lead to a 1.35% reduction in non-firearm suicide rates among young people aged 10-24. However, the study did not find any correlation between increased mental health services and decreased firearm suicides.
Researchers found that candidates' pro-gun messages and NRA funding influence voters' evaluations, with racial resentment moderating the effects. Voters who own guns or are racially resentful were more likely to support candidates with similar views, while those low in racial resentment preferred pro-gun control candidates.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Health Forum found that 83% of primary care patients and 92% of mental health clinic patients answered the question about their access to firearms. The study suggests that asking about firearm access could support suicide prevention by creating opportunities to discuss safety planning, includ...
A study found that patients receiving care for mental health and substance use who had access to firearms were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. The researchers emphasize the need for improved gun safety measures in these settings.
A recent survey study in California adults reveals alarming rates of firearm injuries and highlights the importance of safe storage practices. The study also explores perceptions of safety among households with children, emphasizing the need for effective injury prevention strategies.
The American College of Surgeons proposes four strategies to address the root causes of violence, including investing in at-risk communities and advocating for policy changes. Trauma Informed Care is a key feature of these strategies, aiming to foster empowerment and partnership with patients.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 10% of households with high school-age teens reported buying a firearm, and 3% of U.S. households became first-time gun owners. One in seven households that purchased a gun during this time also had a teen experiencing depression symptoms.
Research at MUSC Health found that adolescents who survive nonfatal gunshot wounds are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Those with pre-existing conditions such as depression or conduct disorder are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for timely mental health care following a firearm injury.
The American College of Surgeons surveyed its members on firearm safety, with strong consensus for policy initiatives and safe storage. Most respondents support preventing people with serious mental illness from buying firearms and cracking down on illegal sales.