A new study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that most US states have passed laws preserving state authority over firearms policies. The vast majority of these states use preemption to support gun rights and remove communities' authority to enact gun control protections.
The Pediatric Policy Council explored the role of public health research in iterative policymaking to reduce gun violence in America. Gun violence has made headlines routinely, affecting young people and their families, and impacting local communities through daily occurrences.
The American College of Physicians suggests that physicians should educate patients about firearm safety, act locally against the NRA, and lobby for sensible firearm injury prevention laws. The editorial highlights the need for action after mass shootings, despite a decline in overall gun violence in 2020.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found that the proportion of gun violence in US TV dramas increased between 2000 and 2018, mirroring real-life gun homicide trends among youths. The study suggests a potential link between media gun violence and real-life gun use for violent purposes.
Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.
A Rutgers-led study found that states with more gun laws have lower rates of youths carrying guns. The study attributed this phenomenon to increased safety in schools and urban areas in states with more stringent laws.
A study by UC Davis VPRP found that 4% of California adults experienced violence, leading to severe distress and social problems. Firearm involvement in violent events was associated with increased socioemotional consequences, including higher levels of perceived threat and reduced social functioning.
Military personnel who receive lethal means counseling and a cable lock are more likely to use a gun safe and unload firearms before storing, according to a Rutgers study. The combination of these interventions resulted in greater adoption of safe storage methods, reducing the risk of military suicide.
A new study reveals an average of 120,232 firearm injuries per year in the US, with nonfatal cases being twice as prevalent as deaths. The research highlights the need for effective prevention strategies beyond just addressing fatal injuries.
Researchers found that active shooter drills can cause emotional distress and uncertainty among students, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies. Social-emotional learning programs and a safe, supportive environment are key to reducing gun violence in schools, according to West Virginia University Professor Keith Zullig.
Gun violence patients made up nearly 23% of trauma hospitalizations during the 2020 stay-at-home order, a significant increase from previous years. Trauma cases overall dropped by half during this time, but gun violence remained a major concern, disproportionately affecting people of color.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that news reports place disproportionate emphasis on fatal and multiple shootings, while underreporting common victims. The researchers believe this could affect public perception of gun violence and shape policy decisions.
A new study by UC Davis Health finds that gun owners and those living with gun owners are less worried about firearm injuries than non-gun owners. The researchers suggest that effective communications strategies can improve firearm safety in the same way as public health messaging has reduced disease and injury.
A study found that nearly 16% of LGBT adults in California own a gun or live with one, often for protection. This increases their likelihood of victimization, including suicide. The research highlights the need for unique gun violence prevention strategies targeting the LGBT community.
A new study found that firearm purchases increase after mass shootings primarily driven by concern over regulation rather than perceived need for protection. The researchers used data science to analyze spatio-temporal data from all US states and determined causation behind the correlation.
A majority of US gun owners support measures such as universal background checks, permit requirements, and prohibitions for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders. However, most report not vocally supporting these policies due to feelings of disrespect by health advocates.
A new study finds that higher levels of gun ownership increase the likelihood of mass shootings, while permissive concealed carry policies significantly increase firearms homicides. The researcher proposes a two-pronged approach to combat both types of gun violence.
A Rutgers University study found that military personnel at risk of suicide are more likely to store firearms in unlocked cabinets, increasing access to them. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe firearm storage as a suicide prevention strategy.
The RAND Corporation's latest study found that child-access prevention laws reduce self-inflicted fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries among young people. Stand-your-ground laws are associated with increases in firearm homicides, while waiting periods may reduce firearm suicides.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that around 100,000 convicted felons in the US may still possess firearms, with California being the only state to enforce a recovery program. The researchers estimate this number is based on data from the Armed and Prohibited Persons System database.
A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.
Researchers found long guns were used more often in suicides by kids and teens than adults, particularly in rural counties. Rifles were also used during hunting season, increasing by 60%. Adopting safety measures for rifles or shotguns may prevent suicides.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy assesses trends in mass violence and evaluates the effectiveness of measures to prevent mass shootings. Research-based policy recommendations include limiting high-capacity firearms access and improving threat-detection systems.
A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.
A new study found a significant increase in political TV ads referencing guns, with gun regulation messages growing by 369% and pro-gun rights ads decreasing by 45%. Gun policy has emerged as a key issue in candidates' campaign platforms, with most ads supporting the Second Amendment.
A study found that 40% of gun owners reported not locking all firearms, even in the presence of children, emphasizing the importance of safe storage devices. The study also showed that nearly 3,000 people attended public gun safety events and planned to use free safety devices within a week.
A survey study assessed Californians' opinions on two proposals: an amnesty program for high-capacity magazines and a five-year gun ban for repeat DUI offenders. The majority supported the first proposal, but were divided on the second.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that social determinants of health, such as income inequality and trust in institutions, are associated with higher gun homicide rates in the US. The study also showed that levels of social mobility and poverty are linked to neighborhood gun homicide rates.
Researchers propose frameworks to improve laws, civilian strategies, and police response in reducing violent crimes and gun violence. A study found that reducing law enforcement response time decreases civilian casualties by 10-15 percent.
A recent survey suggests that nearly one in four Californian adults lives in a household with a gun, with an estimated 7.3 million residents state-wide owning or living with someone who owns a firearm. This equates to a collective tally of 19.9 million firearms in the state.
Researchers studied gunshot injury patterns and found that patients with chest or abdominal wounds were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital. The study aimed to identify injury patterns and predict future outcomes for victims of gun violence.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that deaths due to guns have increased since 2014, with years of life lost rising due to gun violence affecting younger people more, especially men and non-Hispanic black populations.
A new study by University of Utah Health finds that doctors are less likely to ask routine gun safety questions in the home after mass shootings. Pediatricians added questions to screenings, but frequency dropped following incidents.
A study of California firearm owners has identified five distinct patterns of gun ownership linked to varying levels of risk. The research found that different combinations of survey responses to questions about firearms, storage practices, and motivations are associated with higher or lower risks of injury and death.
A study by UC Davis researcher Rocco Pallin found that most Californians support healthcare providers talking about gun safety in exam rooms when there is a risk of firearm-related harm. The study suggests that patients may find these conversations most appropriate when specific risks are elevated, and providers should take a risk-base...
A new study published in Health Affairs found a 10% increase in behavioral health workforce jobs is associated with a 1.2% decrease in firearm suicide rates. The researchers suggest that investing in gun safety initiatives may be more effective in reducing suicides, highlighting the need for additional measures to curb gun-related deaths.
Three UC Davis studies examine strategies to reduce firearm-related injury and death, while a fourth study identifies five distinct types of firearm owners. Background checks are found to reduce violence among those prevented from owning firearms, but flawed policies contribute to ineffective results.
Gun owners report fewer phobias and victimization fears than non-gun owners, study by Florida State University researchers suggests. The study found exceptions for fears of animals and mugging, and implications for gun policy.
A national public opinion survey found strong support for over twenty gun violence prevention policies among Americans, including extreme risk protection orders and universal background checks. Gun owners and non-gun owners alike showed broad agreement on these measures.
A Northwestern University study found that the Violence Reduction Strategy (VRS) program reduced gunshot victimization among participants by 3.2 percentage points, with spillover effects reducing victimization among their peers by 1.5 percentage points. These findings suggest that social networks can be leveraged to enhance gun violenc...
Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that both general and abdominal obesity were strongly associated with mortality among Mexican adults. The study, which followed over 115,000 adults for up to 14 years, also found that waist-to-hip ratio was a major risk factor for premature death.
A new Rutgers University study found a significant link between the concentration of federally licensed firearms dealers in urban counties and intimate partner homicide in the home, regardless of victim age or gender. The researchers suggest that easy access to legal guns in urban areas can increase the risk of intimate partner violence.
A new study by Duke and Northeastern universities reveals that sustained police efforts lead to higher arrest rates for gun murders compared to nonfatal shootings. The researchers found that persistence in investigating fatal cases results in more arrests due to increased resources and cooperation from witnesses.
A new study found that firearm ownership significantly increases the risk of intimate partner and family homicide, with a 13% increased incidence for each 10% increase in household gun ownership rates. The majority of domestic violence victims are women who are more likely to be killed if there is a gun in the household.
Researchers found a causal link between print news media coverage of U.S. gun control policy and increases in firearm acquisition, especially in states with lax gun laws. The study analyzed data on mass shootings, media coverage, and firearm background checks, revealing no significant links between other variables.
A new white paper from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research concludes that handgun licensing is more effective at reducing gun deaths than comprehensive background checks alone. States with licensing requirements have been shown to experience significant reductions in gun homicides and suicides, while comprehensive back...
A majority of current gun owners (almost four out of five) support the sale of both traditional and personalized guns through licensed dealers. However, only 18% are likely to purchase a personalized gun for themselves due to added costs. Personalized guns offer safety features to prevent unauthorized use, but their high cost may limit...
A new clinical guide aims to empower physicians to recognize patients' risk of firearm injury or death and discuss safe firearm practices. The guide, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, provides practical tools for screening, counseling, and interventions.
A randomized clinical trial found that children exposed to violent video games with guns were more likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as pulling the trigger at themselves or others. Self-reported consumption of violent media was also a risk factor for this behavior.
A modeling study suggests that locking all household guns could prevent between 72-135 youth firearm fatalities and 235-323 nonfatal injuries. The study's results underscore the need for safe gun storage practices to motivate adults to securely store firearms.
A new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) study found that U.S. pediatric residents have a significant amount of experience with treating gun injuries, even during early stages of training. The study also revealed strong support for pediatricians' role in counseling families and advocating for public policies to reduce gun injury.
A new study found that personal gun access is associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and perceiving school as unsafe. In contrast, attending a school with common gun access is linked to lower odds of perceiving school as unsafe. The findings suggest complex associations between gun access and adolescent health.
Research published in Deviant Behavior found that the dark web is a hub for anonymous handgun sales, with 64% of products advertised being handguns. The study sheds light on a niche market where buyers can circumvent stricter gun laws, highlighting the need for further investigations and potential regulation.
Researchers found that mass shootings with extensive media coverage were associated with increases in handgun purchases, while high-fatality shootings led to decreases in handgun sales. Overall, the study suggests a possible connection between gun violence and public opinion on gun purchases.
Research found that adopting stricter state gun laws is associated with reduced rates of weapon carrying and perceived threats among students. This study highlights the need for stronger gun control policies to improve school safety.
Research reveals that US states with more relaxed gun control laws and higher gun ownership rates experience higher rates of mass shootings. The gap between permissive and restrictive states has widened in recent years, with rates falling in restrictive states and rising in permissive ones.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that states with strict gun laws experience higher homicide rates when neighboring states have more lenient laws. The research suggests that gun trafficking across state lines plays a significant role in this relationship.
A new study found that states with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership have higher rates of mass shootings. On average, more permissive states and states with higher gun ownership rates appeared to have more mass shootings.
The report identifies weaknesses in current Illinois law and recommends strengthening the state's gun purchaser licensing system, expanding firearm prohibitions for domestic abusers, and providing more funding for local initiatives. These policies aim to reduce gun violence and homicides in Illinois.
A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that individuals with access to guns were approximately 18 times more likely to have threatened someone with a gun, while most mental health symptoms were unrelated to gun violence. Limiting access to guns is key to reducing gun violence.